Two first-time Cinco de Mayo events are planned May 5 in Maricopa.
Our Lady of Grace Parish is holding its inaugural Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 3 to 11 p.m., and the Maricopa Rotary Club is holding at event at Headquarters Lounge 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Spanish for “fifth of May,” the holiday celebrates the defeat of French troops in the Mexican state of Puebla in 1862 and is observed throughout Mexico and the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. It is not Mexican Independence Day (independence from Spain), which is celebrated Sept. 16.
The Our Lady of Grace Fiesta is being organized by the church’s Guadalupana Ministry and will feature authentic Mexican food, live music, entertainment and a Cinco de Mayo queen contest.
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