Celebrate Mexican culture and heritage this year on May 2nd in Delray Beach at the "Cinco De Mayo" festival at the Old School Square Pavilion. The event is hosted by the Hispano-Latino Cultural Alliance.  This Saturday Fiesta (the 5th of May is on a Tuesday this year) will include folk dances, Flamenco, Square dancers, Latino bands, Mariachi performances and games.  

There will be a children's area with cultural crafts, pinatas as well as inflatables. Don't miss the Chihuahua races and costume contest!  Families can enjoy a bite to eat or shop with local vendors. The event starts at 11:00 am and lasts well into the evening and officially ends at 10pm.  Admission for adults is $15 and children under the age of 10 are FREE.  Bring a lawn chair and an umbrella for maximum comfort.

Special activities include:

• Chihuahua Costume Contest at 2 pm; awards for cutest and funniest costume
• Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest at 3 pm, where contestants eat their way through 5 varieties of peppers, ending with the hottest pepper

About Cinco De Mayo

Did you know?  Cinco De Mayo is thought by many Americans to be the celebration of Mexican Independence. It's not. Mexican independence day is in September!  Instead, this holiday celebration is a way to appreciate Mexican heritage and culture in the U.S.  It is a huge celebration all over the United States but not in Mexico.  It's roots as a festival in the U.S. go as far back as the American Civil War when Mexican Americans began celebrating it out in California.  Why May 5th?  There was a major Battle of Puebla against the French back in the 1800s and there is much pride in that event.