Most Americans believe that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico’s independence from the Spanish colonial government. (Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th for those interested.) Cinco de Mayo is actually the commemeration of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin’s forces over the French in the Battle of Peubla on May 5th, 1862.

Rather than just reprint an old bit, let’s just say that Cinco de Mayo will once again come to Historic Downtown Ypsilanti. In an effort to get the jump on the rest of the area, this celebration will be held a day early on Sunday, May 4th — Cuatro de Mayo if you will.

The Downtown Association of Ypsilanti in association with the Crossroads Music Festival, will be presenting an entire day of fantastic events for the whole family.

Things kick of at 2PM on the main stage with the Horse Cave Trio. At 3:40PM, Tracy Mack takes the stage, followed by the sensational jazz vocalist Tracy Kash Thomas and her Band at 5PM. Tumbao Bravo brings down the house at 6:30PM with an evening of splendid Cuban jazz.

Family-friendly events include free dance lessons with Chad Brown, face and body painting, the Cupcake Walk, massage therapy by Jessica Kilbourn, Mexican-themed make & take art projects sponsored by What Is That? A Gallery of Fine Art & Craft, and the Jose Cuervo showcar. (It’s important to mention that the Jose Cuervo showcar does not actually make tequila.) The Dreamland Puppet Troupe from the Dreamland Theater will be putting on a special marionette show at 4:40PM. Finally, Pub 13 will be serving a delicious Cinco de Mayo menu made with authentic Mexican ingredients from Dos Hermanos Market.

For those of you who shun the family-friendly stuff, Pub 13 will be having tequila tasting all afternoon, and there will be a pub crawl to benefit the Crossroads Music Festival when it gets dark at Club Divine, the Elbow Room, Pub 13, the Tap Room, and TC’s Speakeasy.

Download the poster HERE and spread the word.

Sea allí, o sea cuadrado.