Cinco de Mayo to Be Celebrated Citywide

Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of the Mexican army’s defeat of the French under Maximilian in 1862, will be celebrated with festivals, music and plenty of food this week.

Here are some of the local celebrations:

* Today, noon; Parque de Mexico, next to Lincoln Park; La Casa del Mexicano hosts a celebration honoring the battle of Puebla and its war heroes with mariachis and folkloric dancing; free.

* Today, noon; Huntington Park Chamber of Commerce sponsors a festival with exhibits, entertainment and games at Salt Lake Park, 3401 E. Florence Ave.; $1;(213) 585-1155.

* Thursday, 10 a.m.; Boyle Heights Senior Citizens Center, 2839 E. 3rd St.; a celebration with Mayor Richard Riordan and Councilman Richard Alatorre; free; (213) 264-5757.

* Thursday, noon; Olvera Street begins a three-day celebration with the mayor and members of the City Council and the El Pueblo Historic Monument; free.

* Thursday, noon; Latin jazz artist Poncho Sanchez will perform at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave.; free; (213) 972-7272.

* May 8, noon; Belvedere County Park, 4914 Cesar E. Chavez Ave., will celebrate with entertainment and Little Mr. and Miss Cinco de Mayo Pageant; free; (213) 268-9302.

* Saturday, 11 a.m.; Watts’ third annual Latino-African American Cinco de Mayo Parade gets under way at Will Rogers Park, 103rd Street and Central Avenue.