15 ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Philadelphia

On Thursday, we observe Cinco de Mayo in commemoration of the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But while that isn't the same as Mexico's Independence Day — recognized as September 16 — it is still a cause for great celebration.

And celebrate, Philadelphia will.

Here, we've rounded up some great parties, events, and restaurant specials that promise to make 2016's El Día de la Batalla de Puebla one to remember.

Jose Pistola's Cinco de Mayo Block Party
Joe Gunn and company return with their annual Cinco de Mayo block party at Jose Pistola's (263 S 15th St.) featuring Yards Brewing. Aside from copious amounts of Yards brews, expect margaritas, tequila, a DJ, and piñatas from resident artist Sara Walker. Kicks off at 3 p.m.

Connie's Ric Rac Cinco Party
Take in a little music as part of your Cinco celebration at Connie's Ric Rac (1132 S 9th St.), courtesy of Calle D'Luna, Buddy Roc & The Heartbreak Kids, Marla Jimenez & Andres Arciniega, and Jay Rico. Admission is $10, and the show is 21+. Doors are at 5 p.m, cost is $10.

#PTW16 Cinco de Mayo Community Block Party
Starting at 3 p.m, the folks behind Philly Tech Week will take over the Piazza (2nd St. and Germantown Ave.) for their Cinco de Mayo party, with a little help from N3rd Street and The Philly Junto. Drink specials, discounts, and more will abound from Liberties Walk to the Piazza.

MIGHTY #cinco at The Foundry
Philly's biggest monthly dance party takes over the Fillmore's Foundry (29 E Allen St.) with DJ Royale, Sylo, and Francisco Callazo, plus Fame Lust on hand for photos. Tickets are $5 at the door, and doors are at 9 p.m.

El Rey's Cinco de Mayo Block Party
Back again for the second year, El Rey (2013 Chestnut St.) returns with Mexican street food ranging from tacos and quesadillas to elote and churros. Starting at 12 p.m., the event will feature a live mariachi band and DJ GUN$ GARCIA, along with family-friendly activities and a kids menu.

Morgan's Pier's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
A $5 cover gets you into this special-laden event, complete with DIY tacos and specials on margaritas, frozen drinks, and Mexican beer. Additionally, 21st Amendment El Sully will be on draft, with Morgan's Pier (221 North Columbus Boulevard) serving as the East Coast's lone outlet for the brew. Begins at 4 p.m.

Cinco de Gogatsu at Yakitori Boy
Japan meets Mexico at Yakitori Boy's (211 N 11th St.) event, which features Japanese tacos, teriyaki chicken empanadas, and tuna tartare served with tortilla chips. Drink specials include Corona Dos Equis at $4 a bottle, and several tequila-centric cocktails at $8 each.

Cinco de Mayo with South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa takes over the Taproom on 19th (2400 S 19th St.) for the third installment of the Cinco de Mayo festivities. On the menu: Barbacoa (duh), pancita, and consumé, each priced at $4. Drinks, meanwhile, are tequila centric with strawberry and raspberry infusions. Free to attend, but the tacos are cash only. Starts at 5 p.m.

Pub & Kitchen's Taco Party
Pub & Kitchen (1946 Lombard St.) does the holiday right with a taco party, which features a variety of the Mexican street food favorite. Expect wagyu short rib and beer can chicken tacos, along with strawberry margaritas, Modelo, Pacifico, and a Mexican version of the Moscow Mule dubbed the Tijuana Mule.

Traditional Dishes at Café Ynez
Old school Puebla dishes are the focus at Café Ynez (2025 Washington Ave,) — specifically, Chile Relleno and Pollo Mole. Also available will be a three-taco special at $8.50, and $10 carafes of margarita mixers, so remember to BYOB. Café Ynez's regular menu will also be available.

Distrito's Cinco Specials
Jose Garces keeps it simple at Distrito (3945 Chestnut St.) with $2 chips, tacos, and Tecates. Also available: $5 margaritas in lime or strawberry, and $5 chips and guacamole. Additionally, a DJ will provide music from 5 p.m. to close.

Cinco Days with Lucha Cartel
Lucha Cartel (207 Chestnut St.) kicks of several days of celebration on Cinco de Mayo, starting with $5 food and drink specials all day on Thursday. From there, the celebration continues through the weekend with DJ sets, late night happy hours, and a closing bash on May 8.

Fish Taco Drop at Union Taco
Union Taco (4229 Main St.) will debut its Chinese five spice seared tuna tacos on Thursday, and they're putting it on special to get the word out. Dine-in guests can receive two tacos for $5 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo.

Xochitl's Street Food Celebration
With a special Cinco de Mayo menu featuring items priced under $10, this is a way to observe the holiday without breaking the bank. Xochitl (408 S 2nd St.) will also have their famed margarita on special at $6, and the restaurant's coveted pig roast tacos will be available. Doors are at 4 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo at Lolita
Starting at 3 p.m. Thursday, Lolita (106 S 13th St.) will feature $6 blood orange margaritas, half-priced nachos, and $3 tacos (chicken, chorizo, and veggie). Then at 10 p.m., the real party comes out with $10 Mexico City Wides, complete with a carnitas taco, shot of tequila, and a can of Tecate.