Cinco de Mayo – Spanish for fifth of May – is an annual celebration to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It should not be mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, which is Sept. 16.
In the United States, the day has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. Here are some local Cinco de Mayo parties – and you may need a siesta after these fiestas.
Chattanooga State Latin Festival
‘ Where: Highland Park Commons, 2000 Union Ave.
‘ When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
‘ Admission: Free
‘ For more information: 423-697-3204
The spirit of Latin America will be celebrated in a carnival-style party with music, dancing, authentic food, costumes, artwork and interactive educational events when the fourth annual Latin Festival and Latino-American Soccer Cup is held Saturday in Highland Park.
The festival is sponsored by Chattanooga State Community College’s International Community Outreach Office. It benefits the college’s Latino Scholarship Fund and International Community Outreach programs.
The soccer match will kick off the festival. Goodie bags will be given to the first 800 guests to arrive.
Derby de Mayo
‘ Where: 2 on the Roof, 313 Manufacturers Road
‘ When: 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday
‘ Admission: $75
‘ For more information: 423-624-6144
This benefit for Chattanooga Room in the Inn is a mashup of a Kentucky Derby party and Cinco de Mayo. There will be margaritas and mint juleps, silent auction, grand hat contest, best-dressed gentleman contest and viewing of the 144th Run for the Roses on big-screen TVs.
Cinco de Mayo in West Village
‘ Where: Chestnut and Pine streets around the Westin Hotel
‘ When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday
‘ Admission: Free
‘ For more information: 423-531-4653
This first Cinco de Mayo in West Village will have laser shows, food trucks, balloon artist, face painting, stilt walkers, games, live music, cotton candy, kettle corn, cocktails and beer.
1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, Floor
Drink Specials
‘ Where: Chuy’s, 2271 Gunbarrel Road
‘ For more information: 423-710-3007
The Tex-Mex restaurant celebrates Cinco de Mayo with three days of drink specials from Friday, May 4, through Sunday, May 6.
From 4 p.m. to closing on Friday, get $1 off Corona and Corona Light beers and $1 floaters to top your favorite margarita.
Chuy’s celebrates on Saturday with drink specials all day on domestic beers, house Texas Martinis and its margaritas. Keep the party going with $1 floaters and $1 off Corona and Corona Light beers.
Recover on Sunday with $5 Tito’s Bloody Marys all day. It’s the perfect pairing with Chuy’s favorite hangover cure: Southwestern Enchiladas made with blue corn tortillas, hand-pulled chicken, green chile sauce and topped with a fried egg.
‘ Where: Embargo 62, 301 Cherokee Blvd.
‘ When: 11 a.m. until closing Saturday
‘ For more information: 423-551-4786
The restaurant known for classic Cuban fare gets the party rolling with $5 margaritas and $3 Modelo specials.
‘ Where: Amigos at Island Cove Marina, 6830 Flamingo Lane off Highway 58
‘ When: 6 p.m. Saturday
‘ For more information: 423-710-8970
Bad Tattoo Band plays for Amigos’ Cinco de Mayo party.
‘ Where: Mayan Kitchen, 507 Broad St.
‘ When: Noon until closing Saturday
‘ For more information: 423-682-7835
Mayan Kitchen celebrates with authentic food and drink specials, live music, freebies and giveaways.
‘ Where: Las Margaritas Highway 58, 4604 Skyview Drive
‘ When: 6 p.m to closing Saturday
‘ For more information: 423-892-3065
Somethin’ Else plays vintage rock ‘n’ roll throughout the evening.