Cinco de Mayo festivities take place all across the United States each year, and 2021 is no exception. Whether you’re looking to catch an early celebration the weekend before, or a belated festival the day after, the first week of May provides ample opportunities to commemorate the historic Battle of Puebla. From the west to the east, these cities offer the best of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States.
Celebrate 2021 Cinco De Mayo In These 8 U.S. Cities
Image credit: Paul Stein/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
1. San Francisco, California
Thousands turn out annually for the Mission Cinco de Mayo celebration in San Francisco. The family-friendly event showcases the best of Latin and Mexican American cultures through music, foods, dance and art. More than 75 vendors will exhibit their culinary creations and crafts. Numerous performances include traditional Mexican songs, salsa, Latin jazz and other Latin rhythms. Festivities take place on Saturday, May 6, giving revelers plenty of time to enjoy the holiday until the day after.
2. San Francisco, California
From restaurants that offer Cinco de Mayo specials to festivals all across the city, Los Angeles is a hub of events. Start with the Fiesta Broadway festival on Sunday, April 30, then take your pick among restaurants, concerts, or even a Lucha VaVoom wrestling match to celebrate. You’ll find tons of Cinco de Mayo events just outside of Los Angeles as well. Citadel Outlet Mall features music and sales for the holiday each year, and Latin American museums in Long Beach and Costa Mesa hold annual events as well.
3. San Francisco, California
A party in Las Vegas can get wild any time of year, but Cinco de Mayo has area restaurants coming up with all sorts of themed entertainment. Kick back at Carlos ‘n Charlie’s at the Flamingo with a signature cocktail, or dig into a plate of Tex Mex at Cabo Wabo Cantina. Senor Frog’s at Treasure Island is a well-known Mexican party staple that’s bound to bring some Cinco de Mayo fun. Diablo’s Cantina at the Monte Carlo also offers a range of entertainment options, from wheel-of-fortune-created drinks to live performances. For dancing, and some of the best margaritas in town, head for Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at the Flamingo. You won’t want to miss the giant Volcano Bar, which churns out several hundred gallons of margaritas by the hour.
4. San Francisco, California
Thousands of giveaways and unlimited tacos – what better way to celebrate a late Cinco de Mayo on May 7 than at Cinco Phoenix 2021 in Arizona? For more than 24 years, the annual two-day street festival has commemorated Mexico’s historic victory over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla. The event is held in downtown and features a Lucha Libre, Ballet Folklorico and a Kids Zone with interactive rides and games. On top of such fun, guests can win prizes, giveaways and even scholarships from the sponsors. Not a bad way to celebrate the holiday.
5. San Francisco, California
Catch another late Cinco de Mayo parade Saturday, May 6 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This family-friendly festival is more than just a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. The event features a Community Village, an authentic “placita” market, where visitors can hunt for goods created by local artists and vendors. It has a Car, Truck and Bike Show, where guests can “see cars that defy gravity.” Additionally, the Sports Zone features amateur and professional Minnesota sports organizations such as the MN United FC and USTA. If that’s not enough, the Parade, Demonstration Stage and Family Zone offer even more entertainment for people of all ages.
6. San Francisco, California
If Las Vegas feels a bit too much to cash in on your Cinco de Mayo restaurant specials, head for Massachusetts, where you’ll find some of the best low-key deals around. Several restaurants in Boston run specials throughout the week. Take Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar in South Boston, where guests can enjoy five days of pork tacos at $11 and Tequila Snow cones at $10 a pop. Tico in Back Bay is giving out free tacos from 4:30 to 5:30 on Cinco de Mayo, and serving up specialty margaritas such as the Blood Orange and the Hot and Skinny. If you’re looking for a family friendly way to celebrate, check out the event in Union Square with mariachi music, dancers and crafts for the kids.
7. San Francisco, California
When isn’t New York City a good place to celebrate any occasion? You’ll find the whole gamut of options in the Big Apple, from Cinco de Mayo booze cruises to Latin dance class specials. With so many restaurants in the city, it won’t be hard to find great deals on food as well. Horchata in Greenwich Village is offering a “Five at Five” deal, where guests can grab five menu or drink items for just $5. Dos Caminos, which has various locations throughout Manhattan, is celebrating with a special Cinco de Mayo menu in all five locations all week. If you’re looking for a bigger hurrah, the 6th annual Cinco de Mayo bar crawl starts May 5 at 3 p.m. The Cinco de Mayo Mex Fest, a food truck festival held at the South Street Seaport, is another option.
8. San Francisco, California
May is a great month for Florida, because Cinco de Mayo celebrations add to the score of events happening around town. Fans of good music may find Jazz on the Green in Ocala or Gainesville a new way to ring in the 5th. Traditionalists can head to Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando for its annual Cinco de Mayo party featuring live music, food and drinks. The Daytona Beach Bandshell is also known for seasonal and holiday events. Last year, they hosted their second annual Chihuahua de Mayo, where they attempted to set the Guinness World Record for “Most dogs of a single breed in costume.”
This article was written by Hanna Choi.