Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by millions of people across the United States, but how many of them actually know what the celebration is all about?
While we understand the importance of overindulging on tortilla chips and guacamole, sipping on frozen margaritas, and wearing your best sombrero, the holiday officially commemorates Mexico’s unexpected victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The Mexican army won the battle on May 5th, 1862 despite being smaller and ill-equipped.
One common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence day, when in fact, that holiday falls on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is really about celebrating the Mexican way of life rather than about remembering the battle itself.
While Mexicans celebrate in a low-key manner with political speeches and battle reenactments in the state of Puebla, the holiday is widely celebrated in the United States. Celebrations include parades, dancing, festivals, traditional Mexican food, drinks, Mariachi bands and more.
We’ve compiled a list of the top five places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo throughout the US for those who are ready to “fiesta” all day long!
- Los Angeles, CA
One of the world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations takes place in Los Angeles. This multi-day festival, Festival de Fiesta Broadway, typically attracts 300,000 people. Visitors dance, listen to Mexican folk tales, eat and enjoy traditional music in front of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. After the celebrations are over, explore LA on a budget with our Go Card.
- Phoenix, AZ
Festivities take place in the downtown Phoenix area at Patriots Square Park, which features hundreds of booths, and at the Museo Chicano, which highlights Mexican and Mexican-American culture, art and history. Cities in the greater Phoenix area (such as Chandler, Mesa and Scottsdale) partake in celebrations including a Chihuahua race, dance competitions, pool parties and more. Take a day trip a little ways further to scenic Sedona to see the amazing Red Rock landscapes.
- Denver, CO
The “Celebrate Culture” festival held at Central Civic Park is a two-day event that attracts over 400,000. The festival includes family-friendly events such as a parade, green chili cook-off, chihuahua races and local and international talent performances ranging from Mexican regional music to Spanish rock to Latin jazz. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Go on a rocky mountain zipline adventure to top off your trip.
- San Antonio, TX
Credit: David
Cinco de Mayo is a grand celebration in Texas due to its large Mexican-American population. San Antonio’s historic Market Square in la Villita is the place to be on Cinco de Mayo with music, Tex-Mex, concerts and colorful folklorico dancing. Market Square is the largest Mexican marketplace north of the Rio Grande and is filled with stalls selling silver, sombreros, vanilla extract and other artisan goods. Want to explore the rest of Texas? Take time to check out Austin, Houston, Dallas and more!
- Chicago, IL
Chicago is known as a city that parties for any reason, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Those who are 21+ can purchase a wristband for the annual Chicago Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl, and families can head towards Sacramento Drive in Lawndale to watch the annual parade. Every year 200,000 people come to Douglas Park for music, activities for kids, traditional food, games and more. Can’t get enough of the delicious food the city has to offer? Sample Chicago’s favorite foods and drinks (pizza, cupcakes, hot dogs and beer) on our Tastes of Chicago Bike Tour.
Interested in visiting any of these destinations? StudentUniverse can help get you there and save on your flight and hotel. No matter where you celebrate, make this Cinco de Mayo one to remember!
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