Cinco de Mayo is a vastly popular celebration of Mexican heritage each May. It is the perfect occasion for planning a trip to one of the annual events held in honor of this holiday. Learn more about this holiday as well as where the biggest celebrations are so you can start planning your Cinco de Mayo trip today!
History of Cinco de Mayo
While many believe that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexican independence, that is not the case. Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1810. Their Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th each year.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It began in 1861 when President Benito Juarez declared a temporary hold on repayment of foreign debts due to an economic crisis. This did not settle well with the English, Spanish and French. Napoleon III of France sent his cousin, Maximilian of Hapsburg to Mexico along with French troops to invade the country. On May 5, 1862 under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, he and a small army defeated the French troops in Puebla. The city is now known as Puebla de Zaragoza. –Got the Travel Bug Too
Los Angeles
Other than in Puebla de Zaragoza, the United States holds the most Cinco de Mayo trip festivities. It has transformed into an occasion to celebrate Mexican culture. Los Angeles holds one of the most popular events each year. The Fiesta Broadway festival is held the last Sunday of April each year. It is entering its 30th year of celebrating Hispanic culture.
The El Pueblo Historical Monument at Olvera Street holds another popular LA festival. Visitors can watch cultural and folklórico dances, listen to mariachis, and other traditional music. They can also break piñatas, explore exhibits, and enjoy Mexican cuisine. Be sure to stay at one of these luxury hotels while you are in town.
New York City
New York City also celebrates with multiple events. The 116th Street Cinco de Mayo Festival is one of the most popular along with the annual parade at Central Park West.
With a thriving Mexican cultural scene, Cinco de Mayo brings a further element of buzz to New York City. It’s a celebration that spans beyond New York’s Mexican and Latino populations. Across the city, around this time, you’ll find an abundance of Mexican celebrations.Each year, the city hosts a Cinco De Mayo Street Fair close by Grand Central Terminal. New York does street fairs particularly well – and this is no exception. You’ll find art, clothing, apparel, food and drink all with a Mexican twist.There’s also an annual Cinco De Mayo parade at Sunset Park in Brooklyn. It marches down Fifth Avenue and culminates in a vibrant community festival celebration in the park. There’s usually music, dance and incredible food on offer. –Gray Line New York
You will want to book one of these luxury hotels while you are celebrating.
Denver
Denver, Colorado hosts another of the most popular Cinco de Mayo celebrations each year. This popular festival has musical entertainment, chihuahua races, taco eating contests, and more! The lowrider car show is one of the festival’s most popular events.
The Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival was first produced in 1988, as a neighborhood street fair to showcase Mexican heritage while promoting the economic turnaround of the neighborhoods along the Santa Fe Drive corridor. By 1995, the festival had outgrown its location and moved a few blocks to Denver’s Historic Civic Center Park where it took its place among Colorado’s top four outdoor food and entertainment events. –Cinco de Mayo Denver
These are just a few of the countless celebrations held across the US each year to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Plan a Cinco de Mayo trip today! For more Hispanic travel inspiration explore Luxury Travel in South America: 4 Must-Visit Destinations.
