Despite warnings from college officials, the streets around the University of New Hampshire campus were jammed with students and other young people looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday.
Cinco de Mayo parties are in full swing in Durham @FostersDailyDem pic.twitter.com/jjOpFwQxCp — Morgan Palmer (@morganapalmer) May 5, 2015
University President Mark Huddleston posted a YouTube video and went door-to-door with UNH Police Chief Paul Dean last week to urge students living off campus to act responsibly. He also warned that there would be immediate and serious consequences for irresponsible behavior, including suspension or expulsion.
According to Foster's Daily Democrat, thousands of students flooded downtown Durham last May 5. Police worked all day to disperse the crowds, which temporarily blocked buses trying to get local middle school students home. Officials were concerned that this year could be worse because the holiday came one day after classes end and before the start of final exams.
Already on Tuesday, several people have tweeted photos and videos showing large crowds assembling near the UNH campus. But so far, university spokeswoman Erika Mantz says they're seeing large crowds but there have been no major issues or arrests. The middle school buses got out with no trouble.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
Nothin gets me goin quite like some Mexican independence. Happy cinco from UNH to you & your loved ones — Alli Grann (@alli_grann) May 5, 2015
Han: unh is sweet on cinco day mayo Me: do they have a large Spanish population ? Han: uhm more like a large drinking population Me: �� — Brianna Brunelli (@BriannaBrunelli) May 5, 2015
Cinco de Mayo marks an 1862 battle victory by Mexican troops.