Celebrating Cinco De Mayo in Omaha, Nebraska

If you are looking for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, look no further than Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha has set aside a weekend of celebrating to honor the brave Mexican soldiers who fought against the French for the continued freedom of Mexico City. These 4,500 men turned away the 6,500 French soldiers at the Battle of Puebla on May 5^th, 1862.

The Cinco de Mayo celebration will begin on Friday May 1^st with the coronation of the 2009 Cinco de Mayo Queen. A young lady from the community will be crowned at Hector's Restaurant, 1201 S 157th St in Omaha. Her first and second runners-up will also be awarded prize money and featured in the Parade. This event will begin at 5pm with the Queen being crowned at 7pm and wrapping up at Midnight. This event will benefit local non-profit organizations.

The 2009 Cinco de Mayo Parade will begin at 10am and continue until Noon. It will start at "B" Street following along the Historic South 24^th Street to "P" Street. Come and see the beautiful floats and entertaining marching bands.

Don't go home after the Parade. The 2009 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will be starting at Noon, continuing until 11pm on Saturday and picking up again on Sunday from Noon until 10pm. Taking place at La Plaza de La Raza (24th & N), this Fiesta will be quite an event. Admission is Free!

The South Omaha Committee will be serving up a variety of tantalizing, authentic Mexican dishes to enjoy while listening to the live music at the stage. A special stage for children and their families will be set up in the area for the kids to get involved. And don't forget that a carnival complete with games, rides and a midway will be just a couple of blocks away at 25^th and "O" Streets.

Show up early on Sunday for the 2009 Cinco de Mayo 5K Run . Registration is at 7:30 am and the race starts at 8:30 am. This event will benefit the IXIM Spirit of Solidarity. An invitation is extended to your family to walk or run with them.

Back by popular demand is a Car Show complete with those low-riders everyone loves. It will be held on 24^th Street from "N" to "O" Streets on Sunday from 10am- 4pm. Prizes will be awarded; admission is free.

For information on registering for any of these events visit: http://www.cincodemayoomaha.com . Additionally on May 9^th the El Museo Latino at 4701 S. 25th St will be honoring Mexico with a special weekend exhibit. For more information visit them at: http://www.elmuseolatino.org/info.html

Take this time to remember Mexico's brave and enjoy the unique culture of our neighbors.