Swine Flu Fears Take Over Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Mexico

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. Almost a century and a half later, Mexico faces a much different adversary. For the first time in decades, Mexico's Cinco de Mayo festivities were put on hold to the public due to fears of swine flu. In order to avoid any possibility of spreading the epidemic any more than it already has been, the Associated Press reported Mexico's largest celebration was cancelled.

According to Time, the swine flu has left 26 Mexicans dead and 840 sick. In addition to the 26 that have died in Mexico, there have reportedly been two swine flu deaths in Texas thus far.

The festivities that generally include a parade that hosts dancing and music to its famous mariachi bands were replaced by a solemn military band dressed in black to commemorate the battle heroes, according to the Associated Press.

In the United States, celebrations for Cinco de Mayo remained as planned.