Viva la fiesta coming to St. John's

St. John de Evangelist Catholic Parish will host a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday, May 5. There will be authentic Mexican cuisine, traditional live music and singers, an Azteca danza group and games for the kids. It will be an opportunity for family and friends to gather and enjoy an afternoon of cultural unity and celebration.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Mexican people fought the French under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza. This battle was significant, as it boosted Mexican morale and temporarily halted French expansion in the region. While not a major holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States, where it has become a symbol of Mexican culture and heritage.

Among the food that will be available includes tacos de asada and al pastor, corn on the cob, flautas, buñuelos, aguas frescas, fruit cocktails, posole, desserts and nonalcoholic refreshments. The Knights of Columbus will sell baked potatoes and fries topped with chili beans and cheese. There also will be pupusas for sale.

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna is president of the church council and is spearheading the event. "All of the entertainers are volunteers, as are all the church groups that are preparing and selling the food," he explained. "They are providing a variety of foods to the attendees for a reasonable price. The whole purpose of the festival is to raise funds for the church.

"We welcome everyone. This is entertainment for the entire family. I hope everybody will have a good time and enjoy both the food and the festivities."

The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the parish school grounds, 1300 9th St. For more information, call Reyna at 661-565-6956.