REDMOND, Wash. — A western Washington community group wants everyone to have a fun Sunday afternoon celebrating Cinco de Mayo while learning about the true meaning of the holiday and Mexican culture in general.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Centro Cultural Mexicano will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Downtown Redmond Park.
The holiday commemorates the Mexican victory over French Forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The event will include live music, dancing, food, beer, Latino arts and crafts market, vaccines, resources and more.
Centro Cultural Mexicano said this is an opportunity for people to learn about Mexican heritage.
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Brief history of the Battle of Puebla
Puebla is the city capital of the state of Puebla located in Central Mexico about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That day is celebrated on Sept. 16.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica - some historians believe that if the Mexican militia did not force the French to retreat on May 5, 1862, the French would have entered the Civil War in the United States to aid the confederacy - possibly changing the outcome.
In Puebla, the day is celebrated with battle reenactments, parades, music, dancing, and food.
Un mensaje para la comunidad del Centro Cultural Mexicano:
"Los invitamos este cinco de Mayo al Redmond Downtown Park para nuestra fiesta anual de Cinco de Mayo. Este Domingo 5 de Mayo, vengan a celebrar con nosotros, sus amigos del Centro Cultural Mexicano de 11 am a 6 pm. Tendremos música en vivo, comida, cerveza, mercado de artesanias latinas, vacunas, recursos y mucho más. No se pierdan este evento familiar para celebrar nuestra cultura y herencia. ¡Los esperamos aquí!"