ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---The city has cancelled its Cinco De Mayo celebration scheduled for this weekend as a precaution and out of current concerns with the spread of swine flu.

“We have had no reported incidents in Rosarito Beach,” said City Mayor Hugo Torres, “But are aware of people’s concerns and want to take every appropriate precaution.”

“The health and safety of our visitors is always our main objective,” he added.

A swine flu outbreak centered around Mexico City, with some cases reported elsewhere in the world, has raised concerns in the past several days of spread of the new strain of virus.

“While our hotels, shops and restaurants remain open, we felt it best to cancel this large event until the situation is better understood and controlled,” Torres said. “It also is in keeping with our government’s decision to close schools for several days.”

Rosarito’s first Cinco De Mayo festival was co-sponsored by the city, it’s Convention & Visitors Bureau and a number of business groups.

“We’re sorry that people won’t have the chance to enjoy this event this year,” said Ross Buck, president of the Rosarito real estate agents’ association that was one of the sponsors. “But we’ll make it an even more gala event next year.”

Cinco De Mayo is the holiday in celebration of the victory at Puebla on May 5, 1862 of Mexican forces over French troops occupying the country.

Celebration of the holiday has become very popular in the United States. Rosarito officials hoped that many from that country would want to celebrate it in Mexico , in an authentic setting.

“Even with this year’s unfortunate setback, we expect it will become a popular annual event starting next year,” said Rosarito Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau President Laura Wong.

More Info: 1.800.962.2252 - jesus@rosarito.org