Celebrate Mexican pride and heritage (and Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862) with Burqueño bands Cultura Fuerte and Reviva. The Cinco de Mayo show happens at the Launchpad on Saturday at 9 p.m. Admission is $8 and solamente for those 21-and-over. (Jessica Cassyle Carr)

On May 5, 1862, a small army of about 5,000 ill-equipped Mestizos and Zapotec Indians defeated the French army at Puebla, a small town in southern Mexico. The nearly miraculous Mexican victory temporarily stopped France’s progression toward Mexico City and its ultimate goal of an empire in Mexico. Unfortunately, the triumph was short-lived. As soon as Napoleon learned of the humiliating defeat, he deployed an additional 30,000 troops. Within a year, he'd taken over Mexico City and installed the Archduke Maximilian of Austria as ruler of the new empire.

This week we honor a flyer designed in-house by Jeff Drew for our Cinco de Mayo party. [See this week’s feature for more historical and cultural dirt on the holiday.] The Alibi plans to observe May 5 by sitting outside, enjoying music, micheladas, Mexican sweets and other treats. Oh yeah, and free Frito pies while they last! Join us on the Blackbird Buvette patio (509 Central NW) on Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m. (Jessica Cassyle Carr)