Mexico Slowly Emerging from Flu Scare to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Now that most disease experts and world health organizations have determined the "swine flu" epidemic to be a more manageable and less deadly event than originally feared, Mexico is taking its first steps back to normalcy. And all of this against the backdrop of the biggest Mexican holiday of them all - Cinco de Mayo.

The normal celebration includes a re-enactment of the May 5, 1862 Mexican victory over French troops in the central state of Puebla. That celebration has been canceled for this out of fears of the H1 N1 virus, that now seems to have largely subsided in the country.

In Mexico City, fewer people were wearing surgical masks - although plenty were still visible - and some of the shops and cafes had started to open their doors again. Precautions are still in place, however, including distance requirements for people attending stadium events and concerts. Patrons are expected to stay at least 2 meters apart during those events, which one has to question as possibly being entirely impossible to practice or enforce.

Officials are careful to point out that everyone must remain cautious about the flu, as there is still potential for the virus to spread rapidly and for it to become more deadly as is spreads. As nations begin to work back into normal routines, all health organizations will be on high alert to face a possible pandemic.