May 1 2009
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the SouthwestIt used to be that anywhere a group of Mexican-Americans lived, there was a chance for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. Now, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated across the United States, sometimes with more reverence for cerveza and margaritas than the rich history of the event.
Cinco de Mayo History
No, it's not Mexican Independence Day. That is the 16th of September. Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday, commemorates the Battle of Puebla. On May 5, 1862 a brave group of Mexican soldiers defeated a French army that was twice its size or more. This was one of the struggles to defend Mexico and ensure that freedom continued. Many years before the Battle of Puebla, in 1810, Mexico fought for and secured it’s freedom from Spanish rule.
The Cinco de Mayo website from San Marcos, Texas has a more in-depth article on the history of the holiday.
Traditional Celebrations
Cinco De Mayo festivities in Mexico include colorful parades, bullfights, re-enactments of the 1862 battle, mariachi music, folk dancing, cultural festivals, dancing and feasts, and plenty of drinking. In the evening, there are spectacular firework displays and pinatas for the children. Throughout Mexico, members of the armed forces publicly swear their allegiance to the country on Cinco de Mayo, and Mexico's president traditionally delivers a speech from the National Palace in Mexico City on that day. Cinco de Mayo ends with the traditional shouts of Viva Mexico! Viva Juárez!
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the Southwestern U.S.
Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona- Cinco de Mayo Fiesta May 5-6 For the 35th year, this fiesta community celebrates a national holiday in Mexico, with dancing, music, crafts, games for children, and food. Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, 3700 S. Mission Road.
Texas
San Marcos, Texas
Denton, Texas
Dallas Cinco de Mayo Celebrations - Dancers, artists, and performers gather at various festivals throughout the Metroplex. Many restaurants also offer special deals on food and drinks during this time.
Cinco de Mayo Across Texas- Because Texas was once part of Mexico, the state has a long-standing Mexican heritage and follows many Mexican traditions, including celebrating the popular Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo. Although many people believe this is strictly a border-region phenomenon, towns across the state hold festivals to celebrate Mexico's most famous military victory.
New Mexico
Let's Party in Albuquerque - It’s a day to celebrate your nationality with music, food and dance. Cinco de Mayo is known for its parades, folklorico, mariachis and of course, its amazing food. Here are some Cinco de Mayo events to celebrate Mexican culture, art and music.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an evening concert by Texas-Mexican conjunto music star Santiago Jiménez, Jr. on Saturday, May 2 at 8 pm in the NHCC’s Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts. This is annual celebration of the NHCC. Tickets are $15, $20, $25 with a $5 NHCC member discount and can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com and in person at the NHCC Box Office. The NHCC is located on the south west corner of Avenida César Chávez and 4th Street.
Santa Fe Cinco de Mayo Train
Celebrate TGIF and Mexican Independence on board the kickoff cocktail train with Margarita Specials and light bar snacks
Party on the River in Roswell, New Mexico
Celebrate Roswell's biggest Spring event with lots of food, music, games, and fun for the whole family!
Party on the Plaza in Mesilla, New Mexico
Mesilla was a Mexican town until the mid-1850's. Enjoy their annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta on the Plaza.
Colorado
Denver, Colorado
The Cinco de Mayo Celebrate Culture Festival attracts 400,000 people. Enjoy live Mexican regional, Spanish rock, Latin jazz, salsa, ranchero, Tex-Mex, and Chicano rock music at outdoor venues. Find more places to celebrate in Denver with the Top 5 things to do for Cinco de Mayo.
Nevada
Reno and Lake Tahoe
One of the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebrations on the West Coast takes place in Reno each year. There is usually several celebrations and activites for Cinco de Mayo in Reno, and one in North Lake Tahoe, too. So enjoy!
Utah
Midvale, Utah
Monticello, Utah
Does your Southwest city have an annual Cinco de Mayo celebration? E-mail us with the information and website url.
