Cinco de Mayo, is not as many believe, Mexican Independence Day. Rather, "the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, The 5th of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862" (www.mexonline.com, March 2007). Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo aims to celebrate this holiday as well as create a better understanding and acceptance of the Latino community. A diverse culture exists in Longmont and our hope is that Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo helps to bring our diverse community together to educate, share, appreciate and enjoy each other's differences, as well as give each other an opportunity to learn about the many resources available to all in our community. 

Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo has a long history of being a healthy, family-oriented event through its alcohol-free, tobacco-free, and now marijuana-free standard. We are also committed to becoming a zero waste event. The event includes musical and dance entertainment, vendor and information booths, free activities for kids, a car show, the "Mexican Standoff" Break Dance Competition, and tons of great food! We are expecting over 7,000 attendees and would love for you to join us for this celebration. We Celebrate Rain or Shine make sure you are prepared.