We will be in Mexico on May 5th. Have you been in Mexico on/during Cinco de Mayo? What is it like? Are the festivities and celebrations large? Are their any extra saftey precautions that we should have in "back of mind"? We are not "worried" travellers. I ask about safety as some conversations in this subject area, at this site focus or turn to the topic of safety. <BR>Thank you!

Hi, <BR> I think you'll run into very little celebration for Cinco de Mayo in Mexico...It's more likely you'll find festivities on that day at your local Taco Bell.... <BR> <BR>Contrary to popular U.S. belief, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day... <BR>It's a day to commemorate the defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862... <BR>I would imagine if you went to Puebla, you'd find a fiesta... <BR> <BR>LIZ

BTW, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated September 16...That day commemorates the first proclamation of independence from Spain in 1810... <BR> <BR>LIZ

Liz is absolutely right about cinco de mayo. the only thing i can add is that in recent years, some of the bars in places like Cancun have jumped on the bandwagon and have cinco de mayo parties, but they will not be based on any tradition and probably consist of the same kind of drink specials you'd get at your neighborhood place. As for safety, most of the touristed areas of Mexico are as safe or safer than similar places in rest of north america. be reasonably cautious and you should be fine.

That whole thing with the french was a total embarrassment to the mexicans. They lost every battle except for this small one. The only people that celebrate cinco do mayo are the americans. Don't ask me why. Maybe thre are some bars there will do a celebration,not for the mexicans,but for the american tourist.