Community Celebrates Cinco De Mayo

Saturday marks Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May. One-hundred fifty years ago today, the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war.

While considered to be a minor holiday in Mexico, in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

Saturday in Idaho Falls, locals celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Tautphaus Park with music, food, drinks and live performances.

A performance by Danza Azteca Quetzalcoaaltl, a folkloric Aztec dance group from Blackfoot, showcased traditional ancient Aztec dances passed on from generation to generation.

“We’re here to show everybody our culture, our costumes and everything,” said Jacob Gonzalez, one of the dancers.

“Some of us in the group will even create our own dances,” said Rocio Martinez, a dancer.

Many confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is on Sept.16.