Cinco de Mayo is an important holiday to many Mexican American people. Even though it is a Mexican holiday, it is celebrated more so in the United States than it is in Mexico. The holiday is celebrating the victory of the Mexican army against the French at the battle of Puebla in 1862. In the US, celebrations began in California but have now spread all over the country. In Minnesota, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on Lake Street in Minneapolis and also on the West Side in Saint Paul. 

Every year, my family celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the Lake Street festival in Minneapolis. There is delicious food, dancing, and vendors selling traditional Mexican clothing and jewelry. For the kids, they usually have games and fun activities. For me, it is just a fun day to spend with my family. I like to watch my mom dance the traditional chinelos dance that she taught me when I was little.

Unfortunately, this year because of Covid, the Cinco de Mayo festivities were cancelled. Some people joined zoom calls to celebrate, but without the dancing and live music it wasn’t the same. According to Cincodemayosaintpaul.com, they plan to resume the festival in 2022. This is the first time since the festival started in 1999 that it has been cancelled. Many people suggested supporting local Mexican businesses and restaurants as a way of celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year. I personally would recommend Taqueria la Hacienda on Lake Street if youŕe looking for delicious food.