The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s Cinco de Mayo festival celebrating Mexican history and culture returns Sunday.

Running from 1 to 5 p.m. along Spring Street and DuPage Court, it’s one of several events over the weekend celebrating the city’s different ethnic groups and cultures. Elgin’s annual International Festival (iFest) and Gail Borden Public Library’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration are being held Saturday.

“It was really important to us that we try to make Cinco (de Mayo) a celebration of history and culture,” said Christina Gonzales, events and promotions coordinator for the DNA. “With iFest and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration happening the day before, we have a great opportunity to show off what makes Elgin, and more importantly, the people that live here, so great and diverse the entire weekend.”

Retired federal Judge Manuel Barbosa will give a brief historical presentation and the Mexican national anthem will be performed during an opening ceremony. Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 against France. It’s often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which occurs Sept. 16, the anniversary of the Revolutionary War against the Spanish, according to history.com.

It’s been celebrated in the U.S. since the 1800s but gained popularity in the 1960 when Mexican-American activists raised awareness of it, according to the website. It’s not considered a holiday in Mexico and is celebrated regionally, according to the website.

Local bands, performers and dance groups will be featured, including 4 Strings Attached Academy, Alegria Mexicana and Mariachi Joya Dorada de U-46. There will be pinata making, Cinco De Mayo trivia and a jalapeno-eating contest hosted by Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin. Food vendors and food trucks will be on hand offering a variety of dining options, including Cook’s Ice Cream, Bida Baking, Elgin BBQ Pit, Mario’s Cart, Perk n’ Pickle, Sophie’s Mango and Three Legged Taco Truck.

Spring Street will be closed to traffic at 11 a.m. Sunday for the event.

This year’s celebration is a collaboration with DNA, the city of Elgin, AMITA Health St. Joseph Hospital, Centro De Informacion and the Gail Borden Public Library and other sponsors.

iFest will be held from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, and nearby locations. Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration is being held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 240 N. Grove Ave.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter.