Cinco de Mayo has become known as one of the happiest days of the year. The day itself commemorates an against-the-odds victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and today it’s celebrated in many places all over the world. It’s a chance to relax with some friends and kick back with a cold cerveza or frozen margarita, if that’s your thing. In honor of the 5th of May, here are five cities where you can find the liveliest and best Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
1. Puebla, Mexico
If you’re going to celebrate, why not celebrate where it all began? The city of Puebla takes great pride in showcasing their place in Mexican history. Their Cinco de Mayo festivities are highlighted by a parade that runs along Boulevard Cinco de Mayo. The parade can be up to 20,000 participants strong and features floats, military re-enactments, and bright swirling dancers for everyone to see.
2. San Antonio, Texas
In a city where more than half of the population identifies as Hispanic, San Antonio definitely knows how to show of its Cinco de Mayo pride. Here, you’ll find amazing margaritas, a lively street party atmosphere, and one of the largest Cinco de Mayo parties in the nation in the city’s Market Square.
3. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capitol honors the 5th of May by hosting the National Cinco de Mayo festival. The Maru Montero Dance Company (whose motto is “Education through Dance. Enrichment through Culture.”) performs each year at a festival that highlights Latin American cultures from around the world.
4. Denver, Colorado
Denver is a city that knows how to throw a fiesta, even at 5,280 feet above sea level! Their Cinco de Mayo celebration is no exception. Denver’s two-day, weekend long festival is often attended by more than 450,000 people and features food, dancers, and drink. It spans the length of Lincoln and Welton streets and terminates in Civic Center Park. Don’t miss the annual green chili cook-off if you want something to spice up your weekend and balance out that margarita!
5. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is another city with a diverse Latin American population–more than 40% of the population in Phoenix identifies as Hispanic. The city hosts their own celebration in Patriots Square, located in the middle of downtown. There is food, music, and dancing as well as hundreds of booths. You can also visit the Museo Chicano on Adams Street to learn more about Mexican-American culture.
If you live in an apartment in San Antonio, Denver, or any of these other cities, you’re in for a great time whenever Cinco de Mayo rolls around. And, you can always search for apartments in these cities on ApartmentSearch.com for year-round fun!
