Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Heats Up St. Paul

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The fifth of the May isn't until Tuesday, but thousands came out to celebrate the day Saturday.

The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta in St. Paul is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

It is held in the District Del Sol in St. Paul's West Side neighborhood along Cesar Chavez Street.

The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexican soldiers defeated the French Army.

There were six blocks of food, music, dancing and a very colorful parade.

Organizers in St. Paul say the celebration is a chance for everyone to take part in the traditions of Mexican culture -- with the exception of eight-known gang members who were legally barred from the festivities.