Cinco de Mayo falls on Saturday, the second day of finals, but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy the holiday. There are no finals on Sunday, so take the opportunity to relax, take a break from your studies and celebrate fiesta style.

Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday, commemorates the victory of Mexican forces over the French on May 5, 1862 in the Battle of Puebla.

United States citizens, who love a party, take the opportunity to join in the festivity by attending parties, hosting parades and celebrating Mexican culture. The Southwest especially recognizes the holiday. Here in Texas, which was once a part of Mexico, there are numerous ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

So drop those books and give your brain a rest. Here are ten ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo right here in the Dallas Area:

1. Attend the City of Dallas Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Hosted by the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department and Pike Park Advisory Council, the celebration takes place at Pike Park 2807 Harry Hines Blvd. on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. The event includes Mexican food, games, performances by ballet folklorico and other local artist, and is free to the public.

2. Go out to an authentic Mexican dinner. Mexican restaurants fill every corner of Dallas; go to your favorite or be adventurous and try somewhere new (Taco Bell does not count.)

3. Visit the Meadows Museum. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Museum is hosting Cinco de Mayo Family Day Fiesta. In the museum take part in fun art activities and at noon in the Smith Auditorium, the Dallas-based Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico will perform traditional Mexican folk dances.

4. Invite friends over and cook a Mexican meal. Prepare homemade guacamole, enchiladas, tacos, etc.

5. Add in some margaritas (if you are of age, of course). Find new recipes online like strawberry or watermelon.

5. Experience Cinco de Mayo in McKinney. Starting at 11 a.m. in downtown McKinney, take part in a parade, live music, entertainment and a “mercado.”

6. Visit the new Sprinkles Cupcakes for Choco Loco, a dark chocolate cupcake with a rich dark chocolate and Mexican cinnamon frosting. Available May 3-5.

7. Hit a piñata. Fill it with traditional candies, or other small enjoyable prizes.

8. Visit Lewisville’s Fifth Annual Cinco de Mayo Street Festival. It’s in Old Town Lewisville from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy music, entertainment, food and Mexican culture. Admission is free.

9. Purchase some festive music and baila (dance) the night away. Check out iTune’s Cinco de Mayo Sale.

10. If you are completely exhausted from exams, take a nap, but at least call it a siesta.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!