5 Things to Know Today, May 5

1. Happy Cinco de Mayo.

Held on May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.

Ironically, the holiday is celebrated more vigorously in the United States than in Mexico where it's not even a holiday. But, in the United States, it has become a way for people of Mexican heritage to celebrate the history and traditions of the country to the south.

You can celebrate Cinco de Mayo at various venues throughout Bloomingdale Patch including Beef O' Brady's on Bell Shoals Road and FishHawk Boulevard where manager Cormac McCarthy will be serving up his new fish tacos along with Coronas for celebrants. "It will be an Mexican celebration with an Irish flair," said McCarthy. 

Or check out Luna's Mexican Restaurant at 5924 Providence Road, Riverview, for margaritas and chicken chimichangas and other Mexican specialties.

Other restaurants in the area will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with drink specials, including J.F. Kicks Neighborhood Bar & Grill, the Green Iguana and Upstairs, 16144 Churchview Drive, Lithia.

2. Here's an activity for the entire family. The Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, will host Family Pioneer Night May 5 at 6:30 p.m. Families will learn what life was like for the pioneers of Florida by playing games, making crafts and recipes and listening to stories about the men, women and children who pushed the nation's boundaries.

3. The Lithia/FishHawk Area Council meets the first Thursday of the month at The Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch, 17004 Dorman Road, Lithia, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

4. The Brandon-Riverview Photography Club is open to shutterbugs of all ages and skill levels, with an interest in capturing professional quality images. Join the group for an open discussion on the latest equipment, techniques, and share your work with the group. The club meets on the first Thursday of each month at Barnes and Noble.

5. The Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico, will host a belly dancing class for kids age 7 to 12 Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. This is a low-impact cardio workout that tones and conditions the body. A variety of basic steps are combined into a fun dance fitness class. For information, contact Mindy Anderson at (813) 684-1371 or e-mail Mindy.Anderson@tampabaymca.org.