Politics

Over the years, US Presidents have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo at the White House with music, dancing, food, and other cultural festivities that recognize the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in which the Mexican army beat the odds and defeated the French. Yesterday would have been Obama's "cinco" celebration, but the president nixed the partying this year, instead releasing an official statement honoring Cinco de Mayo following his trip to Mexico and Costa Rica last week. It read in part:

On Cinco de Mayo we celebrate the contributions and heritage of Mexican Americans and we recognize the strong cultural, familial, and economic ties that bind the United States and Mexico. . . . Cinco de Mayo reminds us that America's diversity is America's strength. Today, as we celebrate the contributions and history of Mexican Americans and Hispanics in America, let us celebrate the larger story of America and our unique immigrant heritage.

This change of plans could possibly be due to the sequester that has resulted in other White House events getting cut such as the Jewish American Heritage Month celebration. It's too bad culturally significant soirees at the White House are being canceled, as there have been some funny and sweet moments at these celebrations over the years. So in honor of yesterday's holiday, let's take a look back at how our recent presidents and first wives have celebrated Cinco de Mayo.

This year's White House Correspondents' Dinner is behind us, but we are still excited about all of the fun moments we got to share during the big weekend. While on the ground in DC, we saw celebrities like Hayden Panettiere, Claire Danes, and Gerard Butler walk the red carpet before the dinner, mingle at Saturday's brunch, and let loose at the weekend's many parties. Click through for some of our favorite Instagram moments of Hollywood in Washington.

The biggest names of Washington and Hollywood were together in one room tonight for the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner. While it's affectionately known as "nerd prom," President Barack Obama, the guest of honor, showed just how cool politicians can be, making an entrance to a DJ Khaled song and cracking jokes about Jay-Z. "I've got 99 problems, and now Jay-Z's one," he said in reference to the rapper's recent Cuba trip. Overall, First Lady Michelle Obama seemed very entertained by the president's comic material, which included a skit of Obama playing Daniel Day-Lewis playing Obama.

On the red carpet, stars of DC-based TV dramas — like Claire Danes, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, and Robin Wright — joined other Hollywood regulars including Sofía Vergara and Sharon Stone. Yet many stars we spoke to agreed the night had more gravitas than your typical Hollywood premiere or award show. Many actors and actresses told us that the night was a once-a-year chance to get smart and talented people from politics and entertainment together. Meanwhile, actor Gerard Butler just wanted to have fun, goofing off with his "man date," as he called him, Piers Morgan. And comedians John Oliver and Rebel Wilson both told us that they'd love to be the act at the dinner one day, even if it is a tough job. As for this year's headliner, Conan O'Brien, he wasn't afraid to poke fun at the president. "Some in this room even accused the president of being distant and aloof,” Conan said. “When I asked the president about that earlier, he said, ‘Oh,’ and walked away.”

And of course, the fashion industry wasn't going to be left out. Anna Wintour worked the red carpet in a glamorous gown, while J.Crew's Jenna Lyons sported a white button-down tucked into a feathered skirt, along with her signature black-rimmed glasses. Despite the star-studded guest list, the celebrities we spoke to admitted that they were most excited to see President Obama and the first lady. See pictures of the first couple and DC's big night now and videos of President Obama's and Conan's speeches, which also included touching tributes to the recent tragedies in Boston and Texas.

The 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner is this weekend, and POPSUGAR will be reporting on the weekend from DC. Before then, we can't help but take the opportunity to look back at the funniest moments from past dinners. That's because the event is a time for presidents and hosts (read: comedians) to let loose and take jabs at one another and the members of the media in the audience.

The first dinner took place back in 1920 and has risen in fun-factor in more recent years. We're talking about George W. Bush standing next to an impersonator and Obama referencing the Texts From Hillary meme. We can't help but get excited about what stops Conan O'Brien, this year's host, will pull out. Until then, get laughing with these memorable YouTube clips!

Living US presidents and their first ladies united today to celebrate the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, TX. The historical photo op included presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and his dad, George H.W. Bush, as well as their wives, who all seemed to enjoy themselves. Bush supporters ranging from former world leaders like Tony Blair to family members attended the outdoor ceremony. And, of course, the Bush twins were on hand. Jenna looked great after just giving birth two weeks ago, while Barbara showed off a darker hairstyle.

The presidential library will include thousands of documents from Bush's time in office and will be dedicated to his legacy, which seems to be in better shape lately. His approval ratings were around 30 percent in his final year in office but have risen to 47 percent. It's common for ex-presidents to become more popular over time — just look at Bill Clinton. He's been everywhere lately, joining Twitter @billclinton and picking up a GLAAD Award last week. Even President Obama, who heavily criticized Bush's policies, had a good word for W today. He said, "To know the man is to like the man. Because he's comfortable in his own skin. He knows who he is. He doesn't put on any pretenses. He takes his job seriously but he doesn't take himself too seriously. He is a good man." See photos from the event now!

Are you ready for Hillary Clinton to run for president in 2016? Yes, it's 2013, but after last week's news that some of Hillary's former staffers have created a political action committee, the murmurings that she may run in the next presidential election grew to a fever pitch. Then last Sunday, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd wrote:: "Of course Hillary is running. I've never met a man who was told he could be president who didn't want to be president. So naturally, a woman who's told she can be the first commandress in chief wants to be."

While we may not know if the former secretary of state and first lady will be running in 2016, there are already a plethora of Hillary for president products to stockpile in hopes that she does. Hey, it's a bit cart before the horse of us, but we can't help but dream, right? From tank tops to magnets, check out some of our favorite Hillary 2016 swag!