St. Louis knows how to throw a party. And Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Cherokee Street is once again center stage for the area’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration. While many fiestas are all about tequila shots and gigantic margaritas, this family-friend festival celebrates the culture and energy of the Mexican heritage with authentic food, drinks, art and entertainment.

More than 10 bands are lined up to play throughout the day, including fan favorite Boogie Chyld. The People’s Joy Parade has returned for a second year with a menagerie of crepe paper floats, bike brigades, Elvis impersonators, giant puppets and Mexican wrestlers. Live art demonstrations, a mechanical bull, exhibitors and vendor booths will entertain both children and adults. And, of course, there is all that amazing authentic Mexican food and drink.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s unlikely victory over the well-armed French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Over the past few years, this holiday’s popularity has soared in the United States. Cinco de Mayo is now celebrated more north of the border than in some parts of Mexico.

 This free event takes place on Cherokee Street between Nebraska and Iowa on Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The People’s Joy Parade starts at the corner of Minnesota and Cherokee at 1:11 p.m. Visit cincodemayostl.com for more information.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting