The holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. The 5th of May celebrates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is not Mexico's Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16th. The City of Cleveland celebrates Cinco de Mayo out of respect for its Mexican population specifically but for the Hispanic and broader community as well. A luncheon event was held at Cleveland City Hall on May 5, 2014.
The Mariachi National Band entertained the crowd before the ceremony.
Mariachi National Band
A familiar Mexican favorite
The Cleveland Police provide a Color Guard for the event and Elizabeth Roman sang the US National Anthem.Next, the National Anthem of Mexico was sung.Mistress of Ceremonies Jessica Cartagena from Metro Health introduced Rev. Max Rodas from Nueva Luz Resource Center for the invocation. Jessica Cartagena then explained what Cinco de Mayo is and called it a celebration of Mexican Heritage.
Lucy Torres, Hispanic Liaison for the City of Cleveland spoke of celebrating our similarities and differences and including all communities. Lucy Torres
She introduced Mayor Frank G. Jackson.
 Mayor Frank G. Jackson
Councilman Brian Cummins spoke next and praised the city's diversity.
 Councilman Brian Cummins
Attorney Jazmin Torres Lugo and Cleveland Hispanic Liaison Lucy Torres introduced Pablo Castro III, Magistrate at Cleveland Municipal Courts, for Special Recognition from Mayor Frank Jackson. Lucy Torres, Pablo Castro III and Mayor Jackson
Lucita Galindo was also honored. Mrs. Galindo raised her 11 children by herself after her husband died. She opened many award winning Lucita Mexican Restaurants to support them. Lucita just turned 95 so her daughter Mari Galindo Dasilva accepted in her behalf. She told how her mother was proud of the land of her birth the United States and how her children should be proud of their birth home Mexico.
 Mari Galindo Dasilva
MetroHealth CEO Akram Boutros, MD was the keynote speaker at the City of Cleveland's Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. He was introduced by Maria Pujana.
 Maria Pujana
Dr. Boutros told of the three important themes of Cinco de Mayo and how they relate to Cleveland and to MetroHealth hospital. He said "We are the solution and have collective power." 
MetroHealth CEO Akram Boutros, MD and Lucy Torres
The celebration concluded with performances from the young dancers from the Hola Folkloric Mexican Dance Group from Painesville.
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