Revelers Salute Cinco de Mayo

Cruising at the Cinco de Mayo festival on downtown’s Olvera Street.

Food. Lots of it.

Tamales. Tortas. La Pizza Loca.

Churros. Cajun sausage. Ice cold papaya.

“The food is great because it’s authentic,” says George, 18, of Los Angeles. “And there is a lot to choose from.”

Rides. As far as the eye can see.

The Gravitron. The Love Wheel. The Berry Go Round.

The Dare Gate. The Raiders. The Tilt-a-Whirl.

“That one over there is fun,” says two-time Olvera Street festival-goer Cesar, 10, of Los Angeles. He points to the Rok ‘n’ Rol, which looks to be a combination Ferris wheel-astronaut trainer. “But the third time, it’s enough to make your stomach not feel so good,” he says.

Games. For young and old.

Clown Town. Glass Pitch. Shoot Out the Stars.

Skee Ball. Hot to Trot. Knock Em Off.

“The games are the best part,” says five-time festival attender David, 11, of Lancaster. He hit it big, too, winning the coveted “skeleton of death” picture at Balloon Darts. “I’m planning to stay till the end.”

Entertainment. Something for everyone.

The staccato and strum of mariachis. The ancient drumbeat of the Korean youth choir. The seductive pulse of tejano.

“It’s just like it was when I was a kid--the music, the decorations,” says Rosy, 22, of Downey, who came for the first time with her son Joshua, 3, and her new daughter.

Booths. A potpourri.

Comic books. Balloons. Handwriting analysis. Caps. T-shirts. Picture poses on the burro.

“My mom and dad are waiting in line to get something,” says Bill, 13, of Arcadia, sounding a little annoyed. “I’m kinda bored. I want to play the games.”

The crowd: more than 80,000 expected.

The reason: to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the French in an 1862 battle. It’s a point of cultural pride. “It’s got something to do with Mexico blowing away the French, I think,” says Edmund, 13, of Arcadia. Close enough.

If you didn’t know that, though, you’re not alone. Many on Saturday confused it with Mexican Independence Day. But that’s a party for September. First things first. The festivities continue today. Ten in the morning till ten at night.