No it’s not the Mexican Independence Day, but it’s still a time to celebrate in Mexican and American history. Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1810, and to honor that victory, the Mexican-American community celebrates with unique and fun-filled events. Here are just a few of the many events going on in this diverse place known as Philadelphia:

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 @ 4:00 p.m.
Free Library of Philadelphia – Fumo Family Branch
2437 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

Wild Wednesdays at Fumo are part of the LEAP After-School Program, a drop-in after-school program for students in grades 1 through 12. LEAP provides homework help, presents multicultural enrichment programs, and assists children and teens in developing library and computer skills. For more information, please contact the library or The Office of Public Service Support at 215-686-5372.

Now through Sunday, May 11th, 2008
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th & the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA

Fragile Demon: Juan Soriano in Mexico, 1935 – 1950
This is the first U.S. exhibition in a major museum to focus on the early work of Juan Soriano, a pivotal painter in the history of modern Mexican art. Soriano has been cited as a bridge between the Mexican School of realistic painting of the 1930s and 1940s and the internationalist avant-garde trends of mid-century.

Frida Kahlo
Now through Sunday, May 18th, 2008
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th & the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA

You last chance to check out this extraordinary exhibit in its only stop on the East Coast! Rendered in vivid colors and realistic detail, Kahlo’s deeply personal work expresses her inner struggles and the desire to continually reinvent herself. Through this exceptional exhibition featuring her celebrated self-portraits, including several that have never been shown in the United States, visitors will understand why Frida Kahlo is regarded as a revered artist, a recognized icon, and a notorious revolutionary.

Hungry? Then try out a few of these restaurants offering specials for Cinco de Mayo:

Lolita
106 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA
Bring your own tequila or order a watermelon margarita to complement the special Cinco de Mayo three-course meal for $35.

Adobe Cafe
4550 Mitchell Street, Philadelphia, PA
Check out this Roxborough cafe’s laid-back vibe, great Mexican food and live traditional music on May 5.

Xochitl
408 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA
As scary as your last experience with tequila might have been, it’s time to get back in the saddle and there’s no better place to do so than this mellow eatery.

For more information or to check out other events during Cinco de Mayo, check out www.phillyfunguide.com.