Everything from music and traditional dancers to piñata busting are part of the expanded two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration this Saturday and Sunday at Manteca’s Library Park.

The free annual Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce event is also adding a taco eating contest broken down by gender and age.

The festival is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The main stage features both professional and local amateur groups complete with an area to dance or simply sit and enjoy the music. The community stage features various dance groups, singers, and youth groups.

There is also a free children’s piñata breaking contest conducted hourly.

The event includes more than 100 vendor and exhibit booths plus a beer garden. The food court will feature taco trucks as well as booths offering traditional Mexican fare and other food as well as drinks. Tables and chairs will be provided. Pony riders and children’s carnival rides are part of the event.

There is also a low-rider and vintage restored vehicle show.

Organizers note the event celebrates freedom and democracy, not Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although Americans have celebrated the “Cinco de Mayo” on the pretext of being Mexico’s Independence Day, Mexico’s Independence Day is actually Sept. 16.

For more information, email bcantu@sq50.com or call 209.679.5204.