Weekend Filled With Cinco de Mayo Events

For a boastful French commander who invaded Puebla, Mexico, in 1862, Cinco de Mayo meant an unexpected trouncing by Mexican troops. But for a handful of Valley communities, the day means good food, fine music and a lot of family fun.

Celebrations will include:

* St. Finbar Catholic Church and School will host a fiesta from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at 2120 Olive Ave., Burbank. Information: (818) 846-6251.

* Universal CityWalk’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will feature mariachi bands, flamenco dancers, art displays, pinatas and craft-making for children from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Free admission, but parking costs $6. Information: (818) 622-4455.

* Authentic Mexican food, raffles and an evening dance will be part of Guadalupe Community Center’s “La Fiesta” from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 21600 Hart St., Canoga Park. Admission is $1 general, 50 cents for children. Proceeds will benefit the center’s programs to aid underprivileged West San Fernando Valley residents. Information: (818) 340-2050.

* The first “Northwest Family Fiesta” will present several performers, including the San Fernando Gardens Ballet Folklorico and the U.S. Navy Mariachis, as well as art exhibits and activities, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Chatsworth Train Depot, 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road. The event is sponsored by the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce, the Northridge Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Cultural Center and Cal State Northridge. Free admission and parking. Information: (818) 341-2428.

* Juvenil Tenochtitlan, a group of teen musicians from Sylmar, will be the featured performers at the Encino Farmers Market Cinco de Mayo celebration, which also will offer pinata games and balloons for children 10 and younger, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the market, 17400 Victory Blvd., Encino. Free. Information: (818) 708-6611.