"Cinco de Mayo," Mexican Independence Day, will be celebrated at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) on Wednesday, May 5, at 3:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom.

On May 5, 1962, an army of French forces was defeated by the Mexican army in the well-known Battle of Puebla, leading to Mexico’s independence. Now every year Mexicans throw a huge party on that day to celebrate their victory.

The UMC event will feature a video about Cinco de Mayo; remarks from Mario Prada, director of Multicultural and International Programs at UMC, and comments from UMC students. There will also be the breaking of a piñata.

Following the program, the Office of Multicultural and International Programs will host a reception with refreshments. The event is also open to the public.