Hi,

How is Mexico City during Cinco de Mayo? Festivities worth seeing? Too crowded? Or I should avoid that time altogether?

Also, how's the weather (pollution?) in early May?

Is 5 days do-able? I'd like to see the Aztec ruins and do museums and city stuff.

Thanks for your advice.

JC

In most of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo doesn't seem to be any big deal --- more like Veterans Day or Columbus Day in the U.S. IMHO.

Maybe there'd be "festivities" in Puebla, but I wouldn't really expect crowds elsewhere.

5 days is probably very cool. Gives you enough time to see lots of stuff without feeling too rushed.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Cinco de Mayo is more of a holiday in the U.S. than Mexico in my experience. It was a big deal in Austin Texas when I lived there, but I haven't seen much going on in Mexico. A lot of people think it is like the fourth of July, but Mexican Independence day is really in September- so, no problem. As far as pollution, you never know. It could be worse than later on in the summer when it starts to rain a little more. You could do a lot in five days that would be worthwhile.

Well, Dude and TioGringo already said it... there's not much going in Mexico during 5 de Mayo... it is not even an official holiday, so schools and banks are (usually) open. Pretty much business as usual. Now, May 1st IS a holiday (Labor Day). The city closes down and there are a few parades (though nothing worth seeing). Many places may be closed during May 1st.

May 10 is Mother's day, and on that day traffic in Mexico city becomes unbearable. If there's one day to avoid being in Mexico city, May 10 would be it.

JC98,
I have nothing to add from San Miguel.
M