Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- A Mariachi band will be the featured entertainment at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Cinco de Mayo celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 5, in the Ullsvik Center Robert I. Velzy Commons (formerly the Beaux Arts, Galleria and Touche Rooms).

Tickets for a free dinner are available at the Office of Multicultural Services in Warner Hall.

Although Cinco de Mayo is not known as a big holiday in the U.S., people should be aware of its importantce to one of its nearest neighbors, said Suzanne Grebe, president of UWP's Student Organization of Latinos.

Grebe, a Minnesota native, said although she is not of Latino origin, she has lived in close proximity with students from Spain and Mexico while she was growing up. "I have also traveled to Mexico and am very interested in the Latino culture," said Grebe. "There are quite a few Latinos on campus here," she added.

The public and University community are cordially invited to the celebration, said Grebe. "You don't have to be Latino to be involved."

Cinco De Mayo commemorates the defeat of the French army by the Mexicans at the Battle of Puebla May 5, 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, but is also celebrated in other parts of the country and in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population.