Cinco de Mayo Events in NYC Canceled Amid Swine Flu Concerns

According to the New York Daily News, the H1N1 epidemic--better known as swine flu--has impacted Cinco de Mayo events in Gotham, forcing one planned celebration to be suspended and several more to be kept an eye out for infected individuals.

"We opted for prudence," Executive producer of the Cinco de Mayo Festival said about the aborted concert in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. "We are not saying that the outbreak is anything but ordinary, but given the circumstances it is better to have solidarity as much with the community here as with Mexico."

In addition, a second festival taking place in the West Village, has been canceled because of concerns over swine flu. The Ranchera Music Festival, scheduled to take place at Our Lady of Pompeii Saturday, was expected to draw a host of musicians, including fifteen mariachi bands from at least 15 countries in Spain and Latin America.

"We have to be conscious of this situation. It's something sensitive," festival organizer Jose Rojano said. The event was sponsored by the Mexican Center of New York.

While the H1N1 epidemic has caused many to have second thoughts about celebrating Cinco de Mayo--at least in public--others are less apprehensive. According to the New York Daily News, both the Mexican Athletic Club's 5K run in Brooklyn and Manhattan's Cinco de Mayo festival are underway. But come Saturday, the organizers won't be under any illusions of a flu-less celebration.

"We are keeping an eye on the health alert," Adan Lázaro of the Mexican Athletic Club said. "If there's a potential risk, we won't doubt canceling it."