Poster contest drawing session Friday
The Mexican Consulate in Yuma is asking local children: What is Mexico to you? And do you know why Mexicans (and even some non-Mexicans) celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
The Institute for Mexicans Abroad through the consulate is inviting local kids ages 7-11 to participate in the 16th annual children's drawing contest “Este es mi México (This is my Mexico).” The theme this year is “Cinco de Mayo: 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla” in commemoration of the 1862 battle with French troops.
A drawing session will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. Friday at the Yuma County Housing Department, Barry Norman Center, 8450 W. Highway 95 in Somerton. The session is being held in collaboration with the Somerton Parks and Recreation Department.
Prior to the drawing session, a talk will explain the Battle of Puebla to children interested in the contest and their parents. Local artists will also be on hand to offer advice.
In an epic battle, Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza commanded the Mexican army to confront the French troops in the outskirts of the city of Puebla. The young general forced the French army to retreat, resulting in many casualties. That “heroic deed” is considered a significant national triumph and it's celebrated annually on May 5.
Contest organizers encourage children to “imagine that heroic victory in the battlefield and to translate their idea into a drawing.”
The contest entry deadline is March 9. Children may submit their drawings through their school or to the consulate at 298 S. Main St., Yuma.
Winners will be able to choose their prizes, ranging from a computer, digital camera or a drawing kit and a package of school supplies and books.
All participants will receive a certificate. Even if a drawing does not win a prize, it may be chosen to be part of a traveling exhibit that will go around the world or be included in the 2013 calendar.
Drawings should be on a 12-by-12-inch cardboard or paper. Young artists can work with pencils, acrylics, watercolors, crayons or any other material of their choosing. Drawings may not be copied, traced or be done with adult assistance.
Copyrights of the drawings will be given to the Special Fund Board to support the Institute for Mexicans Abroad, which will use them for promotional purposes.
The contest entries should be submitted with a completed form available at the local consulate, and on the websites www.ime.gob.mx and www.redesmexico.mx.
The winners will be posted April 20 on www.sre.gob.mx/ime and www.redesmexico.mx.
Those interested in submitting drawings directly or for more information about the contest, visit the consulate in Yuma or call Rocio Fregoso or Manuel Cuen at 343-9699, 343-0066 or 343-9600.
Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or 539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.
