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Leave it to Americans to make a minor Mexican holiday a reason to eat and drink. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated as the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a military victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862. While it is celebrated in Puebla, it’s pretty much not a big deal in other parts of Mexico.
It became a thing in the U.S. among Mexican immigrants as a way of encouraging pride in their Mexican heritage. But it’s become much more. In Fort Lauderdale, there’s the Cinco De Mayo Weekend Bar Crawl. Orlando’s Sea World has a 10-day celebration from April 27 to May 7 with a fiesta in the street, live music and lots of food including street corn, Tacos Al Pastor, tostada de barbacoas and, of course, beer and cocktails.
Some of the largest festivals are in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Denver, New York City and Chicago. In LA, there is everything from The Super Cinco Lowrider Show Festival & Music Event at the Convention Center to Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl.
If you can’t get to those celebrations, no hay problema. Many restaurants offer their own Cinco de Mayo deals, just check your favorite local spot — tacos and tequila anyone?