The oldest part of downtown welcomed huge crowds as mariachis and dancers performed. There were piñatas and other activities for the kids. Vendors lined the streets with crafts and fresh food.
Olvera Street's free Cinco de Mayo Festival went from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festivities included performances by La Original Banda el Limon and Voces del Rancho.
Los Angeles police want revelers to know there will be extra patrols to get drunken drivers off the streets.
Another event planned for Sunday is the Cinco de Mayo International Festival, which was scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Hollywood High School. Festivities include folkloric dancing, Mexican and international foods, five-on-five soccer games and carnival and inflatable rides for children.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of Mexican militia over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
