Americans must be the only people in the world who celebrate other nations’ holidays more than their inhabitants do. Take Cinco de Mayo, for instance. While it’s observed in Mexico as the day when the Mexican Army defeated French forces on May 5, 1862, most Mexicans don’t make a big deal of it. But in America, we see it as a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture. Nevada Hispanic Services Inc. bills their event as the “biggest Cinco de Mayo Celebration in the West,” and that may be true, considering the list of entertainment scheduled this weekend. The Yo Quiero Comedy Jam featuring Paul Rodriguez begins 8 p.m. May 7 at the City Center Pavilion, 55 E. Fourth St. Tickets are $33-$55. Rock band Malo headlines two shows starting 8 p.m. May 7-8 at the Golden Phoenix Showroom, 255 N. Sierra St. Tickets are $20. Local dance troupes and mariachis, Mexican charros and dancing horses (seen in photo) and the High/Low Car Show will be at Shopper’s Square, East Plumb Lane and South Virginia Street, May 8-9. The Cinco de Mayo Parade begins 10 a.m. May 8 and travels down Wells Avenue to Shoppers Square. For a list of other Cinco de Mayo 2004 events, visit www.cincodemayoreno.com. —Kelley Lang
Una fiesta grande
