TYLER, Texas — Cinco de Mayo is Sunday and several East Texas cities are hosting festivals and events to celebrate.
Cinco de Mayo, which is often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, honors the Mexican victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Mexico’s Independence Day was Sept. 16, 1810, according to the Smithsonian.
The Battle of Puebla happened when France invaded Mexico in response to Mexican President Benito Juarez’s decision to suspend payment of all foreign debts, the museum's website states.
In Mexico, the holiday is mostly observed in the state of Puebla, where the battle happened.
See the list of events happening this weekend below:
MINEOLA
Saturday, May 4 - Mineola Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Fiesta de Mayo (May Fiesta) celebration on Saturday, May 4 in downtown Mineola from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be artisan vendors, food vendors, a classic car show, Mariachi Real, a Selena impersonator, Folkloric and Aztec dancers, contests, games and much more.
PALESTINE
Saturday, May 4 - Cinco de Mayo Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Reagan Park, 709 Crockett Road in Palestine. The event is free to attend. It will include music, dancing, live performances and food.
LONGVIEW
Sunday, May 5 - The Longview Arboretum will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. with vibrant culture, delicious food, and festive entertainment. There will be a taco contest, ballet folklorico performances, live music, face painting for the kids and ice-cold beer.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Saturday, May 4 - Mount Pleasant will have its ninth annual Cinco de Mayo at Fair Park on Saturday with carnival rides, variety of food vendors including authentic Mexican foods, live music all day, traditional mariachi band, corporate and sponsor booths, Cinco de Mayo themed photo booth, VIP concert area, traditional Mayan dancers & family fun to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
HENDERSON
Saturday, May 4 - The Henderson Civic Center, located will hold a family-friendly event on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Events will include a petting zoo, car show, delicious food, music, vendors, folkloric dancing and mechanic bull. Karaoke will start after 5 p.m. The event is free to attend. There will also be a free boxing match showing in the evening.