Cinco de Mayo is a fiesta for everyone - Mexican or not.
It’s a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and it’s known as the fifth of May - the date Mexico defeated France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated all over the world, but the most exciting celebrations happen in the cities with significant Mexican-American populations in the United States. If you are planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo to the fullest, here is a list of the best places to party.
San Antonio, Texas: The city boasts the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the U.S. with a two-day festival that attracts everyone – from children to adults. The fiesta is held in the historic Market Square, where outdoor stages are set up for live music performances, food and drink stands, and an artisan market selling traditional Mexican crafts.
Los Angeles, California: Cinco de Mayo is a significant event in the Latino community in LA. The city has street fairs, parades, and street vendors selling traditional foods such as tacos, burritos, and tamales. The celebration culminates with an all-out festival in the famous Olvera Street, with live mariachi music, folkloric ballet performances, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
Chicago, Illinois: The celebrations in Chicago are famous for their authentic Mexican cuisine and wide variety of tequila. The Pilsen neighborhood, for example, hosts a parade that features elaborate floats, traditional dance troupes, and live music. Later in the day, the fiesta continues with food and drink stands.
Santa Barbara, California: This picturesque city in Southern California hosts a celebration that highlights the Mexican-American community’s artistic and cultural heritage. The city’s Old Town turns into a giant street party with live music, piñatas, and street vendors selling tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
Phoenix, Arizona: The city’s Chicano community has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Cinco de Mayo with various cultural events, live music performances, and street festivals. The annual Cinco Phoenix Festival brings together an array of Latin sounds and experiences, including mariachi bands, salsa dancing, and traditional food.
Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day of partying; it is a day of celebrating Mexican heritage and culture. In America, Cinco de Mayo has become a holiday that honors Mexican-Americans and their contributions to American society. If you can't make it to Mexico to celebrate, these five cities in America offer the next best thing. So gather your friends, bring your sombrero, and viva la fiesta!