More than 'cinco': Ten event picks for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo—or for those of us who aren't well versed in Spanish—the 5th of May, has become a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture. This year is no different as the Philadelphia area prepares to go wild for the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Cinco de Mayo—or for those of us who aren't well versed in Spanish—the 5th of May, has become a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture. This year is no different as the Philadelphia area prepares to go wild for the anniversary of the Mexican army's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Even though the 5th doesn't roll around until Monday, the International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, Philadelphia chapter gets the party started early on Thursday, May 1 at Tequilas Restaurant for a pre-Cinco de Mayo party for both members and non-members, starting at 4 p.m.
For another early—and weeklong—bash head to Yakitori Boy at 5 p.m. for a Japanese twist on the holiday. From Thursday, May 1 through the following Thursday, May 8, take advantage of $5 Corona and Dos Equis, $7 Voodoo margaritas, $5 Crouching Tiger shooters and a special Asian-Mexican infused menu.
At Distrito, it's like the 12 days of Christmas, only better. Starting Thursday, May 1 the restaurant will have drink specials (like $1 Lion's Head cans on the 1st, $2 Corona Light drafts on the 2nd, and so on) and a special Cinco days of Cinco de Mayo menu.
The early festivities continue at the Gershman Y where they get things started on Friday, May 2 for Shabbat de Mayo with Latin music and of course, margaritas at 5:30 p.m.
During the evening on Saturday, May 3, downtown Vineland, NJ will turn into the ultimate fiesta, with Mexican food, music, dancing, children's activities and a horse parade. This multicultural celebration is slated to begin at 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 4 is Bridgeton, NJ's annual Cinco de Mayo Culturefest along Main Street. At 1 p.m., get a load of all the Mexican food, music, cut a rug or cozy up to the horses that will also be in attendance.
Get started bright and early on Monday, May 5 at Mad Mex when they open at 9 a.m. Breakfast will be served with a selection of burritos, enchiladas and cornbread. Drink specials start just as early with $1 off Mexican bottles, $5 22oz Dos Equis Drafts and a chance to win a full year of free food.
Although it seems strange that an Irish bar would get into the Cinco festivities, McGillin's Olde Ale House will be serving up the margaritas and Mexican fare all day on the 5th.
Starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, the party begins at Howl at the Moon where they'll offer $3 Dos Equis bottles, $4 Jose Cuervo Shots and $20 86oz Mega Margaritas at the appropriately named Drinko de Mayo event. The dueling pianos will provide the soundtrack for the night so be sure to bring your best Spanish song suggestions.
If you're not too exhausted from Monday's excitement, burn off some of those burritos on Wednesday, May 7 at this Cinco de May 5k, starting at the Upper Bucks YMCA in Quakertown, PA. The 3.1 mile race starts at 7 p.m.