MEXICAN VILLAGE (EL ZOCALO PARK) & Mexican Festivals
“Walt Disney & The People of Mexico”
More than a decade before Disneyland, Walt and artists departed on a goodwill trip to South America on August 17, 1941. They explored the cultures - music, food, architecture, and especially the people of our neighbor.
By the time that Disneyland was preparing to open, Walt Disney was preparing to launch his True-Life Adventure series which spotlighted diverse places and people from around the world. Aside from these (but through the medium film), Walt was specifically preparing to release a feature-length motion picture “The Little Outlaw” (which was “filmed in Mexico, with an all Mexican cast,” according to reporter Florabel Muir of the New York Daily News). The film was directed by Roberto Gavaldon and starred Andy Velasuqez, Pedro Armendariz, Joseph Calleia, Rodolfo Acosta, and introduced Andres Velasquez. On December 3, 1953 Walt write his sister Ruth Beecher: “We are… making a live action picture down in Mexico about a small boy and his horse, using natural settings and backgrounds for the major portion of the picture. -- it is being shot in a little town outside of Mexico City. So, I'll be going back dow again after the Holidays when editing of the picture will start… I have just returned from Mexico City where I had to go for the premiere of PETER PAN. The proceeds from this showing went to a Children's Clinic, which is sponsored by the President's wife. It was a successful affair and the picture was very well received.“
Then there was Walt’s Disneyland television series, which would air an entire episode dedicated to “The Seri Indians” (the “still proud and independent group of “248 individuals”, representing “the total survivors” of the Mexican group). As you can see, Walt already had a fascination with the people and places of our “good neighbor” to the South!
Regarding most any project pursued, Walt Disney once said: “We have always tried to be guided by the basic idea that, in the discovery of knowledge, there is great entertainment as, conversely, in all good entertainment there is always some grain of wisdom, humanity, or enlightenment to be gained.” While fewer current Disneyland attractions embody the spirit of those words, the story was far different during the early years of Disneyland.
You may recall hearing that “Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage, and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America. We find ourselves in the exciting days when the story of our country’s past was being lived.” To elaborate, Walt Disney’s Frontierland (with its sheriff and villain shoot-outs, its Conestoga wagons making trails through the Painted Desert, its old-fashioned saloon shows, Pack Mule Trains and Mine Trains Thru Nature’s Wonderland, and especially its Indian Village & Mexican Village representatives) was a tribute to elements that made up “Frontier America”! For now, we’ll explore the latter.
Sam McKim Disneyland Map Excerpt depicts the two structures of El Zocalo, (c. 1960s)
Just inside the Frontierland Stockade and upon reaching the cross-roads of Frontierland, Guests found themselves in the veritable “public square” of Frontierland - El Zocolo (pronounced : el•ZO•ko•lo). Early (c.1955) documents and the first Disneyland Dictionary (published October of 1959) describe the Mexican Area “with the motif of the Southwest over 100 years ago.” Around El Zocolo were many Frontier-themed attractions, free exhibits, shops, and even a restaurant of the Mexican Village. Casa de Fritos offered Mexican-inspired dining options, while the Mexican Bandstand became a place where guests could enjoy live mariachi performances. There were two stands in El Zocolo. Before leaving, the Mexican Imports Shop (or Mexican Mart), originally managed by Vilit Navarro Saltus, was the place where guests could find handcrafted (and some authentic) Mexican souvenirs of their experience. Designer women’s dresses and skirts could be purchased in the Mexican Village. In the early days of the Frontier Museum, was the Mexican Shop (managed by Chris & Lois Portillo) along the right side of the museum. Goods included colorful blouses, dresses, and skirts - all of them, hand-made Mexican exported goods. Some hand-painted skirts found here were made by resident artists (like Elvera Navarro, one c. 1956 Disneylander, depicted in the “Disneyland News,” Vol.2, No.2 ; August 1956).
Though the attractions were not included along the tour, El Zocalo was routinely highlighted to Disneyland Tour Groups passing through this area of Frontierland during this era.
The synergistic relationship was good for Disneyland. Disneylander area merchant Mexican Village was a sponsor of the championship Disneyland baseball team of 1957. Additionally, storage rentals to El Zocalo operator Chris Portillo yielded some revenue for Disneyland Inc. For instance, $384 for the fiscal year (52 weeks) ending September 29, 1957 and $360 for the fiscal year (52 weeks) ending September 28, 1958.
El Zocalo of Frontierland
According to the sign: “In the early days of the Aztecs, the focal point of all activity was the Market Place, or El Zocalo. All roads led to El Zocalo and people for miles around brought baskets, pottery, glass, and other wares to sell. During the development of the great southwest before the Gadsden Purchase, and down through hotel years, the custom of El Zocalo has been preserved… and here in El Zocalo of Frontierland you will find the quaint and colorful products of Mexico.”
El Zocalo Sign.
The former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar would probably agree that the small details make the story appealing. One such example of a detail would be the El Zocalo Sign.
According to the first Disneyland Dictionary published October of 1959: “El Zocalo “Is a typical open air Mexican market place as in the early days of the Aztecs when the focal point was the market place, or El Zocalo - all roads led to the El Zocalo, and people from miles around brought baskets, pottery, glass and other wares to sell. During the development of the Great Southwest before the Godsen Purchase, and down through the years, the custom of El Zocalo has been preserved.”
Disneyland Mexican Village Souvenir Sombrero Ashtray, (c. 1957-1964)
During the early years, it was commonplace for merchandise locations to stock General Merchandise - non -character and/or decorative items, including film and sundries. For a number of years, glazed ceramic souvenirs like this hand-crafted & hand-painted Disneyland Mexican Village ashtray were sold thru the Mexican Imports Shop of Frontierland’s Mexican Village. The back of the sombrero ashtray reads, “El Zocalo” (not pictured). Ceramic arts and crafts were popular sellers during this era, with similar souvenirs commemorating such attractions as the Keystone Kops Saxophone Quartet, the Surreys, and even the Mule Pack (to name a few)!
Disneyland Mexican Village Souvenir Sombrero Ashtray, (c. 1957-1964)
Mexican Village Embroidered Wool Vest Souvenir possibly manufactured by the Guatemalan Weavers for Disneyland.
Mexican Village Embroidered Wool Vest Souvenir possibly manufactured by the Guatemalan Weavers for Disneyland.
Mexican Village Wool Vest Woven Labels
As authentic as many Indian Village souvenirs were, many of the Mexican Village’s souvenirs were also hand-crafted.
Fabulous Mexican-manufactured gifts from Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom were available to readers of The Disneyland News, who received “Order by Mail” inserts.
Disneyland, Inc. once utilized the Wilmark Shopping Service to assure higher levels of quality service in Souvenir Merchandising.
The 1957 TWA brochure “Let’s Talk About… My Visit to Disneyland, Anaheim, California: A Note from Mary Gordon TWA Travel Advisor” mentioned: “We learned that to fully explore Disneyland takes two days, so early next morning we were at the gates of the park again. The second day we spent more time shopping in the 50 inviting shops, and the youngsters bought inexpensive souvenirs to take home to friends.”
The synergistic relationship between the commercial lessee and Disneyland was beneficial. The Mexican Village and El Zocalo (each operated by Chris Portillo) yielded some revenue for Disneyland Inc. - $5,985 from the Mexican Village; $3,143 from El Zocalo for the fiscal year ending September 29, 1957 and $5,796 from El Zocalo; $6,309 from the Mexican Village for the fiscal year ending September 28, 1958.
El Zocalo Park, (August, 1966)
Why was Disneyland’s Mexican Village (referred to as such on some maps), also called El Zocalo Park? ‘Zocolo’ [el ZO•ko•lo] is a Spanish word for a public square in a Mexican village or town. As Disneyland had its Plaza and Main Street U.S.A. had its Town Square, “El Zocalo Park” served as the public square (or “hub”) of Frontierland from 1958 to 1963! In the great tradition of Disneyland squares (like Main Street U.S.A.’s Town Square), El Zocalo Park wasn’t exactly square-shaped either. Preliminary Guided Tour scripts (produced c. Fall of 1958) also referred to this area as the “Fiesta Mexican Village”, indicating that this section of Frontierland was much more than a square.
El Zocalo Park, (November, 1963)
The composite flowering trees (bougainvillea supported by unique natural sculptures of an Australian tea trees) of El Zocalo Park, 1978.
In later years this area came to be known as Zocalo Gardens. During Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Year of 1980, a Frog Jumping Contest was held on “Frontier Days” (February 23rd and 24th). Doctor Fleece’s Traveling Medicine Show also set up in Zocalo Gardens. El Zocolo Park’s Bougainvillea-covered benches near Mark Twain Landing were the perfect places to hear the mariachi while river traffic passes behind!
El Zocalo Park, (December, 1961)
El Zocalo Park
Mark Twain Dock, (c. August, 1975)
The theme of the Mexican Village was carried clear to the water’s edge. Among the boxes of cargo, barrels, buckets, sacks, and cotton bales on the Mark Twain Dock are a couple of crates due to be shipped to locations like “Guanajuato, Mexico”. For those who know their Frontier South American history, Guanajuato (located in the heart of Mexico), was where the Mexican War of Independence was fought, resulting in Mexico’s independence from Spain.
According to “THE DISNEY THEME SHOW - an introduction to the art of Disney outdoor entertainment”: “Important are the sounds which permeate the scene, for without them, the theme show is a silent movie . . . but with them it is a symphony of music, effects, and natural sounds that the finest stereo system in the world can't duplicate. These sights and sounds are provided not only by imagineered attractions and shows, but also through the multi-talented efforts of live entertainers . . . in special musical groups . . . in parades and pageants . . . providing an everchanging backdrop to virtually every area in the theme show.”
Since the beginning, Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas was staged to entertain Disneyland Guests on an immediate and personal level. Queue areas were even equipped with live entertainment to set the mood for the forthcoming show.
Once upon a time, Frontierland had three bandstands supporting this Atmosphere Entertainment! The Magnolia Park Bandstand offered a venue to enjoy the Disneyland Band performing concerts in the Park, while the Dixieland Bandstand showcased Dixieland bands along the Rivers of America. El Zocalo Bandstand was the small Mexican Bandstand Gazebo in the square (near Casa de Fritos), where authentic Mariachi music was enjoyed. Designs were created (c. 1957) by Dean Tavoularis (who also translated Vic Greene’s Tomorrowland Station designs into architectural drawings).
El Zocalo Bandstand typically drew a crowd when the El Zocolo Duo (c. 1968), Villa Fontana Violinists (from Mexico City), Los Camperos, Los Gallos (c. 1971), or Mariachi San Marcos (regulars during the mid-to-late 1970s) Los Monte Carlos (yet another “high spirited trio” from Mexico) performed during afternoons and evenings. So, while enjoying “tacos for two” at Casa de Fritos (later Casa Mexicana), guests were offered an opportunity to be entertained by popular and traditional Mexican (and other “Spanish-American”) songs! In addition to these other bands, we must make honorable mention of the Gonzales Trio!
The Gonzalez Trio embodying “the Disney Touch” of teamwork in Holidayland, (c. 1957-1961)
The Gonzalez Trio (a.k.a. “The Trio Gonzalez”, and “Gonzalez, Gonzalez, and Gonzalez”), became a definitive Frontierland staple during the latter part of “Disneyland’s fabulous first decade”, and is one of the longest running mariachi acts in Disneyland! The original group was comprised of Arturo, Roberto, Carmelita, and (of course) their trio of guitars! Here they are (pictured above), performing for Walt Disney Studio Day - an event held (on October 5, 1957) inside Disneyland’s shortest-lived land and original “Fiesta Fun Center” - Holidayland! Contemporaneous footage of the Trio has been amazingly preserved on film in the “An Adventure in the Magic Kingdom” episode of Walt Disney’s “Disneyland” television series (filmed in 1957, and airing in 1958)! As a sidelight, the very same footage was re-released as part of the theatrical feature “Disneyland, U.S.A.”
The Gonzalez Trio in Holidayland, (c. 1957-1961)
The trio could be requested to provide entertainment for events held in Holidayland (just as the Strawhatters, Indians, and Disneyland’s other popular acts! During the televised “Disneyland ’59” (Presented by Kodak) the Gonzalez Trio were prominently featured as part of the Mexico unit in the International Dedication Parade and Pageant representing people of all nations! According to Dave Smith (previous Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives), “In its early years, Disneyland did not have the atmosphere bands that are used today… It would be several years before other bands appeared on a regular basis : 1960 saw the Gonzalez Trio.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]
A Guest Under El Zocalo Bandstand
The Gonzales Trio on El Zocalo Bandstand, (Winter, 1959)
Gonzales Trio at Casa de Fritos as seen in “Disneyland Summer ‘59” Supplement Excerpt.
The Gonzales Trio on El Zocalo Bandstand, (Late 1950’s)
Arturo and Roberto, (1959)
“Disneyland’s Happiest Show on Earth” Excerpt, early 1960s
The trio (and the Villa Fontana Violinists) both had some screen time in “Fun in Frontierland”, (episode seven of the KTTV television show “Meet Me in Disneyland”), which aired July 21, 1962. During this television episode they played such popular tunes as “Guadalajara”, “El Rancho Grande”, and “La Bamba”. The Gonzalez Trio was also advertised as part of Grad Nite 1963 and Disneyland’s Summer Spectacular talent lineup of 1963, appearing in advertisements (in Vacationland magazine and other publications). But more commonly, they could be found at at El Zocalo Bandstand everyday of the week (except Friday)! Summer of 1966, they performed 2-9 PM.
The "Gonzalez Trio" in El Zocalo Bandstand, (1962)
The Gonzalez Trio were part of the 1962-63 Holiday Talent Schedule.
The "Gonzales Trio" on El Zocalo Bandstand, (August, 1965)
The Gonzalez Trio (c. July/August, 1965)
They were still so popular during the mid-1960s, that they were featured on the 1965 Donruss Disneyland collectible card #33 (in fact, Carmelita can be seen wearing the same dress as in this photo)! The Gonzalez Trio would expand with more members, and continue to contribute to Frontierland’s atmosphere well into the late 1970s and 1980s.
Casa de Fritos
Casa de Fritos (August 11, 1955 - 1982)
Casa Mexicana (October 1, 1982 - c. 2000)
Rancho del Zocalo (February/April 2001 - present)
“Let’s dine at Disneyland!” Casa De Fritos opened August 11th, 1955 in a small location near Frontierland’s riverfront. The following year in 1956, the restaurant was relocated to the area replacing the Marshal’s Office in Frontierland. In its place Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue opened its doors for a five year lease, but that’s an entirely different story. Adjacent to the restaurant were Disneyland Offices tucked away in a Backstage area. This second incarnation of Casa de Fritos was open for twenty-six years. During that time, this was generally the scene around mealtime. Casa de Fritos was one of three major attractions in Frontierland’s El Zocolo.
October 1, 1982, the restaurant was renamed The Casa Mexicana. Decades later, the restaurant would change its name again. The Rancho del Zocalo (referencing Frontierland’s Mexican Village Square) would open during February/April of 2001.
Casa de Fritos Promotional postcard (1955 - 1958)
This Casa de Fritos promotional postcard that was once sold inside Disneyland, and featured the artwork of the Casa de Fritos billboard image that once locally advertised the restaurant outside Disneyland.
Casa De Fritos, (October, 1961)
When the indoor dining room was full, guests sometimes waited for available tables while seated on the benches around this planter.
Casa De Fritos
The Casa de Fritos featured outdoor seating on the patio. Tables and guests were shaded by grass umbrellas, and guests sat on colorful red, blue, green, and yellow benches while dining.
Casa De Fritos Street Vendor, (October, 1962)
Fritos were sold by the female vendors that would sit on the hearth just outside the Casa de Fritos.
Casa De Fritos Street Vendor in Front of House, (June, 1963)
The Fritos Vendor sold popular Fritos corn chips and New Era Potato Chips (which was acquired by Lays, and ultimately Pepsi-Co. in 1965). New Era soon began distributing a thicker “Ruffled Chip”, specially designed with grooves for dipping.
Near Zocalo Park in Frontierland
Festival Mexico, East Center Street
In 1963, “Salute to Mexico” presented by People-To-People and the Mexican Tourist Association was showcased as a cultural exhibit for the first time! Considering all these Mexican-inspired special events, it’s hard to believe that the First Cinco de Mayo Celebration didn’t occur until May 5th, 1968.
Casa Mexicana at El Zocolo Park, (July, 1972)
The very first Cinco de Mayo Festival was held at Disneyland in 1968, and this event opened the way for future Mexican cultural events and parades to be held at Disneyland! Special events (like parades and entertainment of “Easter and Viva Mexico Fiesta” of 1969, and the latter “Festival Mexico,” held Saturday & Sunday, October 15 &16, 1977) also kept the south-of-the-border spirit alive in this section of Frontierland, with the “Fiesta Parade,” special exhibits in Alpine Gardens and near the “Small World Gazebo,” and festive decorations!
Though the Mexican Village Bandstand Gazebo (and some neighboring El Zocolo Park attractions and shops) had disappeared or been renamed by the 1970s, it was still common to hear the sound of Los Camperos mariachi (Friday through Tuesday, from noon to 7pm) not far from “El Zocalo Wagon” (a burrito concession stand, open weekends) and the Mexican Imports shop. Disneyland Guides (published for the Summer of 1975) make mention of the “Frontierland Mariachis,” which add to “the Old West atmosphere of Frontierland,” from Friday to Tuesday.
"Festival Mexico" (held October 14 & 15 (Saturday and Sunday) , 1978)
“Mexican and Mexican/American entertainers and personalities” joined the Disneyland Cast for the celebration of “Festival Mexico” (October 14 and 15) of 1978! Lucha Villa, Miguel Aceves Mejia, and children’s comedian Chabelo appeared live on the Space Stage in Tomorrowland. Both Los Hermanos Gomez (a vocal and musical group) and Joe Flores performed from Carnation Plaza Gardens. Tomorrowland Terrace hosted Eno and Tobasco, while “Marimba band Tamborazo Zacatecano will be performing at Town Square and in the Plaza area of the Park. Rounding out the line-up of professional talent” were “strolling mariachi groups at various locations throughout the Park”, according to “Singing, Dancing and Celebrating Life” published in Disneyland LINE magazine (October 12, 1978).
According to the very same issue of Disneyland LINE : “Complimenting the musical groups and personalities in Festival Mexico” were “a host of guest dance groups from Mexico and the local area. Attired in traditional costumes and performing authentic ‘danzas’ near ‘It’s a Small World’” were “the Ballet Folklorico Esplendor Azteca, El Folklorico Lindo, El Ballet Folklorico Mexicanos de Riverside, the Belvedere Fiesta Dancers and the Loyola University Grupo Folklorico, among many others.”
The festivities began each day “with a special Fiesta Parade at 2p.m. Many of the performers listed above” participated in the procession and were joined by the Cast of Disney Characters!
“‘The Three Caballeros,’ Walt Disney’s popular salute to South America” was featured in a special two-day engagement at the Fantasyland Theater. “Spicing up Festival Mexico” was an “interesting selection of Mexican dishes offered at Disneyland’s food locations. Ranging from albondigas soup to enchiladas and tamales to fresh papaya with lime”, there was a selection of foods on the menu to “please any palate.”
“Highlighting the arts and crafts of Mexico’s historic past” were “exhibits displaying quality, authentic crafts and objects d’art from Mexico. Tin toys, ceramics, wood carvings and masks are just a taste of what” was “shown at Alpine Gardens, at Small World and on the Big Thunder Construction fence.”
The Park was “suitably decorated for the occasion, with colorful bunting and raffia figures at the Main Street Train Station, tin and ironwork gazebos to be used as stages near ‘It’s a Small World’ and in Frontierland and a variety of lamppost decorations throughout the Park.”
Last, but not least, the supportive Disneyland Cast sported “ribbons with the Mexican national colors”!
Festival Mexico opened the way for other cultural celebrations, including Festival Japan, the Korean Festival and Festival Canada. Festival Mexico also opened the way for many famous Mexican entertainers to perform at Disneyland. During “Frontierland Days” (February 23 and 24) of Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary year of 1980, Mariachi San Marcos performed from Frontierland with special guests, while Yvonne Salezar and Conchita Del Mar performed from Casa de Fritos.
"Singing, Dancing and Celebrating Life", Photos Accompanying the Disneyland LINE Article, (October 12, 1978)
One of the preceding photos spotlights the entertainment at the wrought iron “Small World Gazebo and Exhibit Area”. The second photo spotlights Mickey and Minnie in the 2:00 p.m. “Fiesta Parade”!
Viva Mexico Souvenir Guide Cover (for May 31, 1980)
“This Saturday May 31, Disneyland will celebrate its ‘Viva Mexico’ salute from 9 a.m. to midnight. A special evening of Latin music will feature such talents as Rogelio Guerra, Beatriz Adriana and Anacani,” according to “Disneyland By Lines” published in Disneyland LINE (May 29, 1980).
Viva Mexico Souvenir "Daytime Entertainment" Guide (for May 31, 1980)
Viva Mexico Souvenir "Nighttime Entertainment" Guide (for May 31, 1980)
Even after Viva Mexico! (in May), the year 1980 saw a second Mexican cultural celebration, with “Festival Mexico” held on October 18 and 19.
The following year (in 1981), Los San Marcos was a common sight and sound from Wednesday through Sunday, around these Frontierland parts. During October 24 & 25, 1981, world famous Guatemalan clown Cepillin, and musicians Felipe Arriaga & Cuco Sánchez, visited Disneyland.
During 1982, the annual “Festival Mexico” would keep the spirit of “our good neighbor” alive at Disneyland! The festival would feature exhibits, a Fiesta Parade, Folklorico troupes, mariachi groups, craftsmen, singers, and comedians. Special guests appeared and some were appointed as Fiesta Parade Grand Marshall (like Fernando Venezuela of 1982).
The next year, Viva Mexico (September 17 & 18, 1983) brought top entertainers (Guillermo Ochoa, Jorge Rivero, Lucy Camacho, Mariachi America, and Krash). By the winter season of 1987, Mariachis Guadalajara were a common sound and sight in Frontierland.
Contact proof sheet photographic images of Gaula Silva performing at Disneyland.
Casa de Fritos
Casa de Fritos, (September, 1974)
Casa de Fritos
Casa De Fritos, (1978)
When the mealtime rush of customers dispersed, the colorful seating of the Casa de Fritos offered a place to rest while enjoying both the sights and sounds of Frontierland!
Rancho del Zocalo (present)
“Saludos Amigos”
By 1987, this area still featured El Zocalo Cart (where burritos and beverages were sold), but ultimately this last vestige was no more. Though the attractions, restaurants, free exhibits, and shops that once celebrated cultural diversity and enhanced the story of Frontierland have completely disappeared, the name of the Rancho del Zocalo pays mild homage to Frontierland’s original Mexican Village Square.
Rancho del Zocalo (present)
The menu options and atmosphere have changed considerably since the Casa de Fritos name disappeared from the entrance. The Fritos Street Vendors, Mariachis, and colorful dining areas are all gone, but there is still a festive feel, and a reminder of “the exciting days when the story of our country’s past was being lived” in this section of Frontierland!
Character lighting was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior, such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp. These add to the show, but don't necessarily create enough illumination for operation.
The spirit of El Zocalo lives on through licensed merchandise like this Disneyland Magical Big Figurine desiged by Disney Imagineer Larry Nikolai.
“Epilogue”
In recent decades, the Diversity Resource Group was formed by Cast Members who were interested in being the voice of the Cast and act as business partners with Resort leaders to foster an inclusive environment for our Guest and Cast. The Diversity Leadership Advisory Board DLAB was established as a group of executives that provides the strategies for diversity and inclusion at the Disneyland Resort. Then, HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement) was formed as a Diversity Resource Group that welcomes Hispanic/Latino and allied Cast Members who are interested in being a valued business partner to the Resort.