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Festival Marks Cinco De Mayo In Philadelphia

By Marcy Norton

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Revelers in Center City gathered at a street festival to mark Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday marking a military victory over the French in the city of Puebla, in 1862.

Philadelphia restaurant El Rey celebrated their fifth anniversary by hosting a festival on Ranstead Street between 20th and 21st Streets, serving traditional foods like tacos and quesadillas. Ernie Torres of Collingswood, New Jersey was there for a friend's birthday, but he's also up on his history.

(Reporter:) "Do you know the historical significance of Cinco de Mayo?"

"I do. It was the day that the Mexicans won their battle against the French. The Battle of Puebla," he said.

Even so, Cinco de Mayo is more of an American holiday, says El Rey chef Dionicio Jimenez.

"We don't celebrate it in Mexico at all. I think the first time I see a big celebration is in America. Cinco de Mayo is huge but in Mexico, it's like, nothing."

The party on Ranstead Street runs until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

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