Not only is May 5 the day before finals, it also is a Mexican celebration to commemorate Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French.

The fifth annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta will be held from 1 to 10 p.m. at Taxco Restaurant, 223 W. State St., in Sycamore.

Many activities will be held, including a deejay, a Mariachi band, a pinata for kids, raffles and magic performed by Mr. B’s.

A highlight will be Nada, a Spanish rock band, who will also perform at the ‘Viva Chicago’ festival that will take place on Aug. 24 and 25.

“That shows what kind of band they are,” said Jesus Romero, owner of the restaurant and founder of the Sycamore Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

The annual event has been held at the Taxco restaurant since the event’s inception.

Musical performances and a petting zoo are new additions to the celebration.

“It’s a great success every time,” Romero said.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to BECAS Hispanic Scholarship fund at Kishwaukee College and the ABC preschool in Sycamore.

“Every year we help different organizations,” Romero said. “We also donated to the scholarship last year because they had helped me so much. I had some talks with the preschool and decided to donate there because they have some projects going.”

Romero hopes to raise at least $4,000, half of which will go to each organization.

“It’s a good chance to come out to come together with the community and support local organizations,” Romero said.

Food at the event will cost from $3 to $5. In the past, the games at the celebration were free, but this year they will be about $.25 each to increase revenues for donation. Prizes also will be given out.

Some of the games included are a bean bag game, Spanish bingo and crafts, which will be sponsored by Kishwaukee College.

“My intent is to have activities for all ages,” Romero said.