The origin of Cinco de Mayo parties and celebrations has gotten a little fuzzy for many over the years (could it be the tequila or cerveza?). Some will say it’s Mexican Independence Day. Wrong. Some will say it celebrates some battle. Close. Some will say it’s an excuse to drink a lot of tequila. True, but not the real reason behind the celebration.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla where the outnumbered Mexican Army defeated the French Army, who had not lost a fight in nearly 50 years. However, this holiday is not only significant to Mexico.
Some historians believe if France won that battle they would have invaded the U.S. during the Civil War, giving their support to the south, and possibly breaking up the Union. Therefore, it would be almost unpatriotic not to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a list of some of the best L.A. Cinco de Mayo parties.
May 3-5: The 84th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Olvera Street
Olvera Street, Downtown LA
Los Angeles was founded in 1781 just southeast of Olvera Street, making it the oldest part of Downtown LA. This family friendly festival features mariachi bands, DJs and food trucks. Performers include Rogelio Martinez, Banda Costena, Las Voces Del Rancho and many more. Olvera Street is also filled with vendors selling traditional items including piñatas, Mexican pottery and serapes. The festival is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, who enjoy the authenticity and preservation of Spanish culture offered at this California State Historic Landmark.
May 3: 3rd Annual Los Lobos Cinco de Mayo Festival
Greek Theatre, Griffith Park/Los Feliz
The Greek Theatre will host Los Lobos, Ozomatli, and more in honor of the holiday. The three time Grammy winning Los Lobos are hometown heroes from East LA, whose sound is a mix of rock music, blues, Latin soul and R&B. Ozomatli, another local Grammy-winning favorite who incorporate heavy doses of cumbia, funk and hip hop, will also perform.
May 3 or May 5: Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl
Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
This Hollywood pub crawl starts at the Outpost on Cahuenga Blvd., and includes more than a dozen venues in the area. Weekend warriors can choose to attend either Saturday, May 3, or keep it real and celebrate on the holiday’s May 5 namesake. The crawl goes from 2pm-2am, and includes deals on 2-for-1 margaritas, $2 Cervezas and $5 tequila shots.
May 3: 8th Annual Cinco de Mayo Tequila Festival
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, West Hollywood
The 8th Annual Cinco de Mayo Tequila Festival offers more than 15 varieties of “Mexico’s Magic Elixir.” Ticket holders can stroll through the “Tequila Garden” and learn about the history of Tequila and how it is made. There will also be food vendors and giveaways.
May 2-5: Pinko de Mayo at Pink Taco
One of LA’s most popular gourmet taco joints, Pink Taco is hosting fiestas at it’s Sunset Strip and Santa Monic Blvd. locations with DJs, special happy hours and and plenty of good eats starting Friday, May 2, through May 5.
May 3: Drinko de Mayo at Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub
Even though it’s technically an Irish Pub, Rock & Reilly’s still knows how to do Cinco de Mayo right. They’ll have deals on $2 tacos, $5 nachos, $5 margaritas and $5 shots of Casamigos Tequila. Plus, there will be DJs and a live mariachi band.
