CELEBRATING CINCO DE MAYO

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday celebrated by many in Orange County’s Chicano community. The holiday recognizes the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when outnumbered Mexican troops held off a French expeditionary force on its way to Mexico City.

Among the Cinco de Mayo celebrations planned in Orange County: CENTENNIAL REGIONAL PARK

Address: 3000 Centennial Road, Santa Ana.

Dates: Today through Sunday.

Hours: Today and Friday, 6-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

Activities: Orange County’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration features games, carnival rides, entertainment and food booths.

Admission: $5; children under 5 free.

Information: (213) 856-5153.

UC IRVINE GATEWAY PLAZA

Address: University Drive, Irvine.

Date: Today.

Hours: Noon-2 p.m.

Activities: Aztec dancers, mariachi musicians, theater performances, food booths.

Admission: Free; open to the public.

Information: (714) 856-7215

CAL STATE FULLERTON QUAD

Address: 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton.

Date: Today.

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Activities: A week of activities ends today; dancers, musicians, food booths and a film are planned.

Admission: Free; open to the public.

Information: (714) 773-3846.

County restaurants are also getting into the act. Here are a few planning to mark the holiday with live entertainment: EL MARIACHI

Address: 650 N. Tustin St., Orange.

Phone: (714) 532-4001.

El Mariachi Uclatlan, the restaurant’s resident band (considered by aficionados to be the best in the county), will play today at lunch and dinner. The group’s usual schedule is Friday-Sunday, with other groups providing entertainment the rest of the week. Reservations recommended.

MORENO’S

Address: 4328 E. Chapman Ave., Orange.

Phone: (714) 639-2181.

Mariachi music will be featured at the restaurant, built partly in a 100-year-old former Quaker meeting house, from 6 p.m. until closing. Reservations accepted.

TIAQUEPAQUE

Address: 111 W. Sante Fe Ave., Placentia.

Phone: (714) 528-8515.

The restaurant will feature mariachi musicians and dancers all day in honor of the holiday. First come, first served--No reservations will be accepted.

VERDUGO’S

Address: 3850 S. Plaza Drive, Santa Ana.

Phone: (714) 557-3701.

The restaurant plans a party with live music in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Live music begins at 9 p.m. Reservations accepted.