What to do on the 5th May

Foto: Alejandro Muñoz

By: Helena Prentis

The 5th of May marks one of the biggest holidays in the Mexican calendar, and especially so for many poblanos as it commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862 in which the Mexican army defeated a vastly more powerful French army.

Throughout the city people will have the day off to celebrate the victory and enjoy the festivities. The most highly anticipated event is always the huge procession which will feature over six thousand people. Mexicans from all over are expected to come and watch the spectacle which will start at the Arch of Loreto and follow the boulevard 5 de Mayo all the way down to 25 Oriente.

For those wishing to avoid the packed streets lining the procession route, there will also be cultural shows around the city all day. In the zócalo there will be a stage featuring music from all over the world; in the Teatro Principal and Centro expositor in the Feria you will be able to catch some theatre, and if you’d like to experience music as it was when the battle occurred, the Casa de la Cultura and the Catedral will both be featuring performers. Younger people will be able to enjoy specific activities in the Jardín de San Francisco, the Anexo de la Galería de Arte Contemporáneo and the Teatro del Complejo Cultural Universitario.

The Feria of Puebla will continue throughout the day and night, and there will be performances from Intocable in the Palenque and Julión Alvarez in the foro artístico.