![The Cinco de Mayo Parade made its way down Cesar Chavez Street in St. Paul's West Side, as part of this years celebration. The parade is the single highest attended event of Cinco de Mayo and features floats from local community organizations and authentic Mexican performers. The Cinco de Mayo celebration attracts thousands of people and features live music, dancers, Lowrider car show and food.] Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune bbisping@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NDQOYMBPS5M4GNJTLRPTZPAXJ4.jpg?&w=1080)
CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVITIES
Activities celebrating the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla will be held on both sides of the Mississippi River this weekend. On Saturday, St. Paul starts the day with the Menudo 5K family run, followed by a parade and entertainment stages. Hear live music and check out the truck and bike show and jalapeño eating contest. (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. Free. Along Cesar Chavez St. between Robert St. and Hwy. 52, St. Paul. 651-223-7401. www.cincodemayosaintpaul.com.) El Nuevo Rodeo hosts a fiesta in Minneapolis on Sunday. Folkloric, mariachi and Aztec dance will cover three stages as well as popular singers including Carmen Jara and Polo Urias. Also food and beverages from local restaurants. (1-8 p.m. Sun. Free. On 27th and Minnehaha Avs. S. between Lake and 31st Sts., Mpls. 612-728-0101. tinyurl.com/odkff3k.)
CIVIL WAR WEEKEND
Visit the encampments and see how Minnesota soldiers lived. On Saturday, President Abraham Lincoln will make an appearance, and there will be horse-pulled trolley rides. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. $3-$5. The Landing, 2187 E. Hwy. 101, Shakopee. 763-559-6700. www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.)
MELISSA WALKER
