A host of Denver schools will observe Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 2 and Monday, May 5. The occasion is often celebrated with parades, mariachi music, folklorico dancing and other festive activities.

Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Many people wrongly equate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence, which was on September 16, 1810 – nearly 50 years earlier. Although the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.

Columbian Elementary School, 2925 W. 40th Ave., will host a student arts and crafts sale during the school's Cinco de Mayo festival from 8:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, May 2. Proceeds will support a new before and after school program next year. Contact Beverly Winders, principal, for more information, 303-433-2539.

Smith Elementary School will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 2 with entertainment, food, games, a piñata drawing, cakewalk and garage sale. The first grade will present a program from 9-9:30 a.m. and again from 9:30-10 a.m. in the auditorium. From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the school will present a Mercado in the gymnasium featuring crafts made by students and community members. The Mercado will feature Mexican food and crafts for sale. Smith is located at 3590 Jasmine St. For information, contact the school at 303-388-1658.

East High School will celebrate Cinco de Mayo from 9:50-10:30 a.m. Friday, May 2 with an assembly that will include Danzantes Folk Dance Group, Dr. Del Castillo (poet), a student speech and the Philips' group (Aztec cancers). For information, contact Teresa Cosgrove at East High School, 1545 Detroit St., 303-394-8300.

At 1:15 and 2:15 p.m. Friday, May 2, Sabin Elementary School will celebrate Cinco de Mayo among a beautiful array of piñatas that were hand made by parents of children in room 140. The stage will be filled with beautiful dancers wearing Mexican costumes. Jeanette Trujillo Ballet Folklorico de Fiesta Colorado and the Flamenco Dance Company will entertain attendees with dances of Mexico. Sabin is located at 3050 S. Vrain St. Contact the school for information, 303-936-3413.

Lincoln Elementary School, 710 S. Pennsylvania St., will host a fiesta, carnival and silent auction from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 2. The evening will begin with the Lincoln Choir sharing songs in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Carnival activities will be provided by Fun Services. There are many wonderful items in the silent Auction, and the Country Buffet in Englewood and the Reading Bee are providing many of the refreshments. The community is invited to attend. Call the school for more information, 303- 744-1785.

Noel Middle School invites students, families, community members and staff to celebrate Cinco de Mayo the evening of Friday, May 2 at the school. Free food will be available from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Entertainment provided by Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino and Mariachi Vasquez will begin at 7 p.m. Members of the community will be in attendance promoting family literacy. In addition, information about summertime opportunities for children and families will be available. All are welcome; the events are free. Noel Middle School is located at 5290 Kittridge St. For more information, contact Pascual Huerta at the school at 303-371-6333.

Pioneer Charter School will host its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and Mercado from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday, May 5 at the school, 3230 E. 38th Ave. The celebration will feature food, crafts and face painting. Prices will range from $.50 to $1. All proceeds will go toward classes for Pioneer families. Community members are invited to attend. Those interested in volunteering or donating food may contact Olga at 303-329-8412.

From 1:15-2:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, students at Cole Middle School will be treated to the theatrical performance of “Papi, Me and Cesar Chavez,” an illustration of Cesar Chavez's life through story telling performed by El Centro Su Teatro, a multidisciplinary Chicano/Latino cultural arts organization. The goal of all of El Centro's programs is to stimulate positive self-identity, literacy, self-esteem, problem solving and critical thinking among Latinos. El Centro Su Teatro sustains and teaches the artistic and cultural traditions, language and history of the U.S. Southwest and the Americas and promotes dialogue among diverse communities in Colorado and throughout the region. Cole is located at 3240 Humboldt St. For more information, contact Gloria Montoya or Barbara Wright at the school, 303-296-8421.

Horace Mann Middle School, 4130 Navajo St., will celebrate Cinco de Mayo from 1:45-2:35 p.m. Monday, May 5 with a performance by the Baila Con Migo Dancers. Contact the school for information, 303-433-2553.

Oakland Elementary School will celebrate Cinco de Mayo at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 in the school’s auditorium. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students who are learning English will make a presentation about the historical aspects of Cinco de Mayo. Traditional Mexican song and dance performances will follow. Oakland is located at 4580 Dearborn St. For information, contact Arturo Morellano or Darlene Rosas at the school, 303-371-2960.