Valley Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, in which a ragtag group of Mexican fighters soundly defeated the French army on May 5, 1862. But in modern times the day has become a time to celebrate Mexican heritage.

Following are some of the events scheduled in the San Fernando Valley. All are open to the public.

* A Cinco de Mayo fiesta and barbecue is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge. Cost is $5 per person. Information: (818) 756-8285.

* The Valley Thursday Night Forum will sponsor a Cinco de Mayo program at 7:30 p.m. today at 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Admission is free. Information: (818) 567-2574.

* Pacoima Senior Citizens for United Concern Inc. will host Cinco de Mayo festivities with food and a mariachi band. The celebration will be held from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Northeast Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, 11300 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima. The event is sponsored by Health Net/Seniority Plus. Admission is free. Information: (818) 834-6100.

* The three-day St. Finbar’s Annual Fiesta will begin Friday at the church, 2010 W. Olive Ave., Burbank. Activities will include games, bingo and a variety of ethnic food. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: (818) 846-6251.

* Highland High School will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a benefit exhibition with artist Sergio Ladron de Guevara from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at 17100 Superior St., Northridge. Half of all purchases will be donated to the school’s tuition assistance fund. Information: (818) 349-1394.

* Montague Street School and the International Community Service Day Foundation will bring together family and community for a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Friday at the school, 13000 Montague St., Pacoima. The fund raiser, which will benefit the school’s renovation program, will feature homemade Mexican food, folklorico dancers and games. Information: (818) 896-6909 or (818) 899-0215.

* Napa Street School will hold a Cinco de Mayo festival featuring dances and songs by parents, students and members of the community at 1 p.m. Friday at the school, 19010 Napa St., Northridge. Information: (818) 885-1441.

* All Saints Lutheran Church Women will host a South-of-the-Border fiesta at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at 2401 N. Brighton St., Burbank. Cost is $6 for adults and free for children under 12. Reservations: (818) 842-9379.