Thus began his long rule of Mexico through an increasingly heavy-handed series of presidencies during which the gulf between rich and poor grew ever wider. This set the stage for the Mexican Revolution, beginning in 1910 and lasting for decades. While May 5 is a national holiday in Mexico and is celebrated with the usual speeches and parades, it is reportedly a far more important date to Mexicans in America. Here it is taken as an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture in general and may be celebrated with huge fairs which include Mexican singing, dancing, food and other amusements. Formerly part of Mexico and now home to many Mexican-Americans, the Southwest has many festivals to honor the victory of Cinco de Mayo.
Entertainment includes mariachi dancing and other performances.
Attended widely by the Hispanic community, the festival also draws non Hispanic residents as well. In years past the merchants of Olvera street usually included some presentation dramatizing the Battle of Cinco de Mayo. However, in recent years the contract has been awarded to promoters who have not emphasized the historical perspective of the day. Nevertheless, here and elsewhere the throngs turn out to revel in commemoration of this day on which a small force of determined Mexicans managed to defeat the formidable armies of the French.