ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Sunday, May 5, 2019 marks 157 years since the Mexican Army’s Victory over the French Empire, at the Battle of Puebla, also known as Cinco de Mayo.

To commemorate the date, Saint Vincent Palloti Catholic Church, in Abilene, partnered with La Voz Radio to host the 37th annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration on its lawn this weekend.

“We also celebrate all different cultures so, earlier we had an Elvis impersonator, we have a country western band, and so what we’re doing is celebrating everyone’s culture today,” Saint Vincent Church coordinator Richard Garcia said.

The event also provides free music, carnival food and fun, and for the first time ever: a silent auction.

KTAB/KRBC was there before the large crowd arrived and spoke with a few people about the event!

“I love coming out here and eating the food, spending time with friends. I’ve been coming to the church since I was little and we’ve been doing this festival for a lot [of years], and it’s just really one of our big traditions here,” Josephine Villarreal said, who volunteers for her mother’s booth.

The proceeds of the event go to Saint Vincent.

The event ends Saturday at 9:30 p.m. and will continue Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.