Cinco de Mayo Fiestas
Here are the best ways to fiesta for Cinco de Mayo
Compared to other holidays, Cinco de Mayo may have the most interesting history. What started out as a regional celebration of the Mexican army beating the French army near the city of Puebla in 1862 has grown into an international holiday highlighting Mexican culture and pride.
While it officially takes place on May 5, you can get the fiesta started as soon as this weekend with these Cinco de Mayo events.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Fiesta Gardens: Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4
Fiestas Patrias of Austin hosts this annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, featuring performances of the rhythm and beats that define Mexican music. The sounds of Tejano and Conjunto music come alive with some of the most talented accordionists around, along with experts in plucking the bajo sexton guitar.
This Cinco de Mayo festival even has another festival included on Sunday, featuring the 24th annual Johnny Degollado Conjunto Fest. So just be prepared to do plenty of dancing this weekend.
Selena Tribute with Selena Y Los Burritos: Saturday, May 3
Latin music isn't the same without the “Queen of Tejano Music,” but you can relieve the memories of “Amor Prohibido” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” with a special tribute show at Spider House Ballroom.
This pre-Cinco party features the return of the Selena Y Los Dinos tribute band, Selena Y Los Burritos, as well as a special performance by talented Puerto Rican band, Fantastmes. You can even enjoy $2 cervezas and $3 margaritas and tequila shots.
La Condesa Cinco de Mayo Block Party: Sunday, May 4
The La Condesa Cinco de Mayo Block Party has quickly become an Austin favorite for celebrating the cultural holiday. Taking over West Second Street between San Antonio and Guadalupe, the block party aims to please adults and kids with fun activities and delicious food to boot.
While the young ones enjoy face painting and balloon making, you can dance to tunes provided by Este Vato, Bombasta and more. Shops in the area will also take part with special giveaways, and as usual you can depend on La Condesa for tasty culinary delights.
Pelons Cinco de Drinko Fest: Monday, May 5
It is a bit of a bummer that Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year. But don’t let that deter you from enjoying some great drinks specials with affordable margaritas, free-flowing Corona and Modelo, street tacos for a buck, and music from Mariachi Suroeste and DJ Danny Boy.
¡Three Amigos! Quote-Along: Monday, May 5
If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by laughing and singing along to “My Little Buttercup,” then the Alamo Drafthouse has you covered. Three locations will screen the comedy masterpiece that taught us all the meaning of plethora. Each screening comes with a selection of props, a special taco menu and your favorite lines subtitled on the big screen.