Ballet Folklorico de Alvaro Munoz will be a big part of the annual Cinco de Mayo festivities set for Friday, May 3, in downtown Abilene.

A parade will kick things off at 6 p.m., followed by a festival at 7. In addition to the Ballet, the festival will feature live bands, food trucks, and a mariachi band. Ballet Folklorico de Alvaro Munoz is the new name for the former Ballet Folklorico, which was founded in 1963 by Martha Munoz at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. Among the earliest dancers was Alvaro Munoz, nephew of the founder who now directs the dance team. 

Proceeds will benefit West Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and the West Texas Tribune Scholarship Fund. Call 325-721-1568 for more information.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862, victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Source: history.com (The History Channel)