2. Cinco de Mayo

The Buzz -- Established in 1987, this festival unites the city with a colorful fiesta commemorating Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla. Having grown into the largest Cinco de Mayo event in the nation, the festival draws nearly half a million people to Civic Center Park for dancing, crafts, music, and traditional Mexican food. The Celebrate Culture parade wends its way through downtown to commence the weekend-long event.