Although the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with fiestas, margaritas, and tacos, the holiday commemorates an important historical event — the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces during the Battle of Puebla. While Cinco de Mayo has been observed in Mexico for well-over a century, in 2005, the US issued a proclamation encouraging the observation and celebration of the holiday within the US — so celebrate we will! Check out FROSCH’s picks of the best cities to celebrate.
Puebla, Mexico
Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza and his outnumbered soldiers successfully defended the town of Puebla against larger and better equipped French occupying forces on May 5, 1862. Although this is not the official day of Mexican independence, Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of Mexican pride and heritage. Where better to celebrate than the city it all began?
Denver, CO
Each May, for a two day stretch, the people of Denver tip their hats to the spirit of freedom and the beauty of Latino culture with their annual Cinco de Mayo festival. Known as “Celebrate Culture,” the festival takes place at the Central Civic Park each year. During the jamboree, there’s family-friendly events which include a parade, green chili cook-off, and Chihuahua races, all while local and international talent performs on three separate stages.
San Francisco, CA
San Franciscans celebrate the best of Mexican heritage each May with a day-long festival at the historic Dolores Park. More than 10,000 people typically attend the alcohol-free family-friendly celebration. There’s plenty of food, live entertainment, and a kids zone full of arts and crafts activities to keep you and your family entertained.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio’s bars and restaurants make a mean margarita, thanks to Texas’ sizable Mexican-American population. If you’re looking for an authentic Cinco de Mayo experience, look no further than San Antonio’s Market Square, which serves as party central on May 5 each year. You’ll be entertained with music, Tex-Mex food, concerts, and colorful folkloric dancing.
St. Paul, MN
If you’re in the Midwest, head to St. Paul’s District Del Sol on the West Side, where (somewhat surprisingly!) one of the nation’s best Cinco de Mayo celebrations happens each year. During the festival, attendees enjoy a parade down Cesar Chavez Street, a low-rider car show, a 5K race, and three stages of live entertainment.
Los Angeles, CA
One of the largest Cinco de Mayo festivals in the country takes place in sunny Los Angeles. Each year, the multi-day festival, known as Fiesta Broadway takes place. The party centers around the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, where the city’s oldest district gets decked out with Mexican flags. Visitors can dance, listen to Mexican folk tales, eat, and enjoy traditional music into the late hours of the evening.
Phoenix, AZ
In Phoenix, your festivities aren’t limited to a single location, there are miles of celebrations happening. Downtown, you’ll find hundreds of booths to check out in Patriots Square Park. In Chandler, you’ll be able to watch a Chihuahua races, in Scottsdale you can watch live performances on the stage, and in Mesa you can enjoy three days of dancing and festivities – all to honor Cinco de Mayo!
