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CELEBRATE CULTURAL DIVERSITY ON CINCO DE MAYO

CHICAGO, IL (May 1, 2012) - Contrary to what many believe, Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is not a celebration of Mexican independence. In fact, it's a commemoration of the Battle of the Puebla, where Mexican forces soundly defeated a much larger French battalion in 1861.

Today, the holiday has evolved in the U.S. and has become a celebration of Mexican heritage. It has grown in popularity over the years and there are now hundreds of events across the country to mark the occasion.

Here are some fun things to consider for this Cinco de Mayo to help you celebrate this rich culture.

1. Gather with friends and hold a progressive dinner featuring Mexican food, moving from house to house for each phase of the meal. Include traditional refreshing Mexican drinks such as limonada (lemon and water) or horchata (rice, milk, vanilla and cinnamon).
2. Have a movie night in and rent a documentary on Mexican history or culture.
3. Attend a local Cinco de Mayo festival.
4. Engage your kids to create fun, colorful crafts, such as a piñata.
5. Explore the art of famous Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera.

Not surprisingly, the 2010 US Census shows that the diversity of the United States population is increasing. There are nearly 32 million residents of Mexican origin. Mexican-origin population represented the largest Hispanic group in 40 of the 50 states. More than half these states were in the South and West regions of the country, two in the Northeast region, and in all 12 states in the Midwest.

"However you choose to spend Cinco de Mayo, I encourage you to use the day as an opportunity to learn more about the Mexican culture," said Julie Curran, Regional President, BMO Harris Bank.

About BMO Financial Group
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan p roducts and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris BankSM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

BMO Harris Bank is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Banking deposit and loan products and services are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCMC) and BMO Capital Markets GKST, Inc. (GKST), a Municipal Bond Dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc. (Harris SBSB), an SEC registered investment advisor. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC (Harris myCFO), an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (Stoker Ostler) is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM) or its wholly-owned subsidiary HIM Monegy (Monegy), SEC-registered investment advisors. Products offered by HIS, HBIS, BMOCM, Harris SBSB, Harris myCFO, Stoker Ostler, HIM, and Monegy, which are affiliated companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of BMO Financial Corp.,: Are not insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, not a deposit of or guaranteed by any Bank or Bank Affiliate, may lose value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.