Cinco de Mayo - the day marking the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla - is a date of great importance to the Mexican-American community. On May 5^th, Mexican-Americans celebrate freedom and liberty, ideals that Americans and Mexicans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect.

In 2003, this annual celebration will have special meaning for the Department and tens of millions of Americans who want to learn about HUD assistance through the Internet's World Wide Web. With the significant growth in the Hispanic population in America, there is a large population of new immigrants and citizens who can better understand both the help available to low- and moderate-income persons, as well as the rules that apply to HUD's programs, if it is also available in Spanish. To reach that goal, HUD has entered a partnership with Univision, and is participating in the Plaza Olveira Cinco de Mayo Festival in Los Angeles, California. The event will showcase HUD's new Spanish-language website, which will give a new choice to Hispanic individuals and families who want to learn about HUD and HUD programs.

This year, Cinco de Mayo means another way for millions of Americans to celebrate freedom across the nation!