by Magdy Zara
May 5th commemorates the “Battle of Puebla.” It took place in 1862 near the city, where the Mexican army under Ignacio Zaragoza fought a bloody battle against the Second French Empire. With the exception of the September 16th celebration, the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla is the most significant date on the Mexican civic calendar, as it is one of the few victories against an invading foreign army.
This day is also designated “Latino Heritage Day” in the United States, a day that celebrates immigration from Mexico.
To commemorate this date, various organizations have planned a series of activities, which are listed below:
*San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This will be a Lowrider Car Show, featuring a classic car exhibition, followed by a showjumping contest and a cruise down Mission Street, as well as a pop-up street party featuring more than 30 local vendors and artists, live mariachis, and cumbia.
Admission is free and will take place at John O’Connell High School, 2355 Folsom St., and along Mission St.
*The City of Hayward is holding its 40th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, also on May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Downtown Hayward will be alive with live music, mariachis, DJs, Aztec dancers, folkloric ballet, classic cars, bicycles and pedal cars, arts and crafts, food, and more.
The musical, dance, cultural, and festive extravaganza is the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Hayward. This free, family-friendly event is organized by The Hayward Alliance and will take place at B and Main Streets, Hayward, CA.
*In San Jose, the Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held on Sunday, May 4, at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The celebration will feature traditional Mexican food and music, honoring the resilience and joy that define this tradition in the heart of Silicon Valley.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Plaza Paseo de San Antonio San Jose. (There will be no parade this year.)
*In Palo Alto, the Cinco de Mayo 2025 celebration kicks off with a parade that begins at 11 a.m. outside the elementary school at the intersection of Clarke and Donohoe Streets, followed by the Festival at Bell Street Park, which runs between University Ave. and Bell Street, from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Admission is free, and you can enjoy: mariachi music, cultural performances, raffles, a little more history, sports activities, folklore, family games, and delicious food.
