While Cinco de Mayo isn't widely observed in Mexico outside the state of Puebla, the commemoration of an unexpected victory by the Mexican army over mighty French forces on May 5, 1862, has become an American holiday celebrating Mexican food, culture and music.
Topeka, which has had a significant population of citizens of Mexican origin since the 1920s, will join the celebration with Cinco de Mayo festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Fairlawn Plaza on the southwest corner of S.W. 21st and Fairlawn Road.