Happy Cinco de Mayo, St. Louis!
More than 150 years later, the anniversary of Mexico's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla has developed into a day-long celebration on Cherokee Street, complete with street food, face painting, concerts, wrestling, bounce houses and a mechanical bull.
Hundreds of revelers poured into Cherokee Street this weekend to celebrate Cinco de Mayo two days early. (Hey, some of us have to work on Monday.)
See all photos: Cinco de Mayo 2014 on Cherokee Street
Want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo today? Here's how St. Louis party people on Cherokee Street celebrated this weekend:
1. Wear a giant sombrero.
Cinco de Mayo is a day for big hats. Not only do they look festive and colorful, but they'll protect you from the sun now that winter is gone for good.
Tiny sombreros are also allowed.
2. Eat something served on a stick.
Beef. Pork wings. Ears of corn. Mango with cayenne pepper. Barbecued chicken. Food just tastes better on a stick.
3. Drink something served in a pineapple, a coconut or a fishbowl.
There's nothing better than walking around outside on a nice day with a fist full of sweet, delicious drink. ¡Salud!
Two more amazing ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on page two!
