Cinco de Mayo colors mirror those of the Mexican flag – red, white and green. The meaning of the flag colors has evolved over time, with green representing hope and independence; white, unity and purity; and red, religion and the blood of the national heroes. The Mexican coat of arms, a golden eagle devouring a snake in the center of the flag, is steeped in ancient Aztec mythology.
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Newscom/file
A float in the Cinco de Mayo Parade passes the Colorado state Capitol in Denver in 2010.