I forgive all, and pray that all may forgive me. May my blood flow for the good of this land. This was the triumph of the Mexican Republic. Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated though out the country, but very specially in the state of Puebla and in Mexico City. There are military parades as a way of paying tribute to all the heroes, soldiers and civilians that gave their lives for their country.
Schools participate in parades too.
It takes months of rehearsal and preparation for marching bands to perform and compete among others to be the best. Parades are so popular that people wake up very early and rush to the streets seeking a good spot to watch and enjoy them. In the Pe n de los Ba os , a small barrio or neighborhood in Mexico City, very near the airport, the people organize a very popular representation of the Cinco de Mayo battle. This play is a tradition that the people of the Pe n have kept alive for many years. Some of the inhabitants play the French invaders and others the Mexican army.