Cinco de Mayo, otherwise known as May 5, is coming up and bars and restaurants are busy prepping for their parties and festivals.
The holiday celebrates the Mexican army's defeat of France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is sometimes incorrectly associated with Mexico's independence, which is celebrated in September.
If you're looking for a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we've gathered a few of the community festivals and restaurant block parties going on around town.
Did I miss one? Send an email to Josh.Frigerio@abc15.com with the details.
El Mirage’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (May 5)
The annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in El Mirage takes place Mat 5 at Gentry Park. The free event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. There will be performances from New Frequency Band, Fiesta Mexicana and Marysol Ortiz. Free pony rides and a beer garden.
Visit El Mirage Facebook page for details.
Avondale Fiesta 2017 (May 5)
Avondale’s Cinco de Mayo Festival is May 5 along Western Avenue. The free event starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. There will be Lucha Libra wrestling, Mariachi performances and Ballet Folklorico, along with food and Mexican beer.
Visit www.avondaleaz.gov for more information.
Cinco de Mayo celebration at Odysea in the Desert (May 6)
From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the courtyard of Odysea in the Desert, performers will celebrate Mexican culture. Ballet Folklorico, Rascapetatiando Dance Co., and Mariachi Juvenil de Mi Tierra are set to perform. No cost for parking. More information.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival (May 7)
The annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in downtown Phoenix will take place on May 7 from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. The festival is located on Washington Street across from CityScape. The festival will have traditional food and entertainment, including Lucha Lubra, Ballet Folklorico. War, Tierra and Benton Wood are scheduled to perform. General admission is $5 and VIP tickets are $35. There are processing fees.
Visit http://www.cincophx.com/event-info.html for more information.
Cinco de Mayo at Enchanted Island (May 7)
Enchanted Island is celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 7. From 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., there will be live entertainment, Ballet Folkloria and pinatas. Wristbands are $12.
Visit www.enchantedisland.com/special-events for more information.
RESTAURANT PARTIES:
Cinco de Mayo Block Party: Riot Hospitality Group is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Block Party at El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Tempe. Local DJs will spin top 40 hits and both will have drink specials. No cover until 11 p.m. More information.
El Hefe in Scottsdale is hosting “Cinco de Hefe” with food and drink specials. “Pancho,” the mini donkey will be there for photos. More information.
Cinco de Modern Block Party at High Street: Modern Margarita at High Street will have live entertainment, food and drink specials, and backyard games. The cover is $10 and includes a raffle ticket. More information.
Casino Arizona Cinco de Mayo Festival: Casino Arizona is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with performances from PowerDrive, Vive! Selena: A Tribute to Selena Quintanilla and showing the Canelo Alvarez-Julio Cesar Chavez Junior fight. Tickets required. More information.
