Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico that commemorates the unlikely defeat of the French in the battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.  However, in the United States, the holiday has taken on a much larger roll as a date to celebrate the culture and heritage of Mexican Americans.  In New York, where many residents have ties to Puebla, it is very popular holiday, celebrated by people of many backgrounds, even those of non-Mexican descent.

During a fiesta held in the parking lot of Rite Aid on 4th Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, those in attendance were treated to dance performances by Young Dancers in Repertory, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, Grupo Cultural Sunset Park, and Comombianos de Brooklyn Grupo de Danzas.  Revelers were also offered free cotton candy, snow cones, give-a-ways, face-painting, and a chance to learn about the free and affordable healthcare offered by Health Plus.  

“I think everyone feels a little bit Mexican on Cinco de Mayo,” said Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus, “much as everyone feels Irish on St Patrick’s Day. It’s always great to see people of diverse cultures coming together to celebrate their neighbors’ heritage.”