Local Festivities

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. An outnumbered and outgunned Mexican army defeated French troops, who were marching to take Mexico City. Cinco de Mayo festivities should not be confused with Mexican Independence Day celebrations Sept. 16.

A partial list of events in Orange County:

* Today, noon and 7 p.m., Cal State Fullerton, free

Thirteen Latino student groups will present a noontime Mexican folkloric show and a 7 p.m.-to-1 a.m. dance in the University Center pavilion.

* Today, 6 p.m., Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, free

There will be Mexican folkloric dancing and music, and Edward Grijalva will speak on his personal search for his Mexican roots.

* Today, 7 p.m., Concordia University, 7530 Concordia W., Irvine, free

Mexican folkloric dancers and a mariachi band will perform, and a speech will be given on the historical significance of Cinco de Mayo.

* Friday, 10 a.m., Fremont Elementary School, Santa Ana, free

The school will feature Mexican folkloric dancing and performances by the schoolchildren. The public is invited.

* Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Maxberg Plaza Park, San Clemente, free

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Kiwanis Club will present a Cinco de Mayo festival, complete with mariachis, folkloric dancing, food and an art contest.

* Friday, noon, UC Irvine, free

A Mexican folkloric concert will be staged.

* Friday, noon, Golden West College, Huntington Beach, free

Mariachis, singers and dancers will perform.

* Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., Maple Community Center, Fullerton, free

A local Mexican folkloric group directed by Lucy Ruiz and Aztec dancers will perform at the center. The Chicano Poet Society will recite poetry touching on the history of Cinco de Mayo, and carne asada will be served.

* Friday, 7 to 9 p.m., Chapman University Theater, Orange, $10

“Latinoamerica Baila y Canta” will feature Ballet Folklorico INTI, Peruvian dance and music, the dance group Raza de Bronce and presentations by dancers from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Panama, Venenzuela and, of course, Mexico.

* Saturday, 11 a.m., Costa Mesa Branch Library, 1855 Park Ave., free

Elementary school children will entertain visitors with Mexican dances and children’s stories about the holiday.

* Saturday, 1 p.m., San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, free

The library will host a Cinco de Mayo festival, complete with tamales, Mexican music and a folkloric dance show.

* Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m., Golden West College Amphitheater, Huntington Beach, $5

Folkloric dance groups Itzamna, Fontana and Voces Que Nos Llaman and musical group Rondalla del Sol will perform.

--Compiled by MIMI KO / For The Times