Free Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be held in Long Beach, Commerce, Santa Monica and Avalon Sunday commemorating the victory of a 4,500-man Mexican militia over a larger, well-equipped French expeditionary force during the original Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
The family friendly celebration at the 2nd & PCH retail center in Long Beach will run from noon-5 p.m. and include performances by Folklorico dancers and Mariachi bands.
The Citadel Outlets in Commerce will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with 15-minute performances from folklorico dancers at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of Third Street in Santa Monica with performances by Mariachi de Uclatlán from UCLA, Academia de Danza BFFM and recording artist Danny Muñoz.
Catalina Museum for Art & History in Avalon will hold its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 6-9 p.m., featuring a performance by the regional Mexican band Sin Frontera, traditional dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Quetzal, food vendors selling popular Mexican dishes, and an art project.
Margaritas, wine, beer and other refreshments will be available for purchase.