On May 5, 1862, the Mexican Army claimed victory at the Battle of Puebla over France. More than a century after the Franco-Mexican War, May 5th not only stands as a day to commemorate triumph but also as an opportunity to honor and celebrate Mexican culture. In fact, Cinco de Mayo has become widely celebrated in the United States — even more so, than in Mexico. To help observe the richness of Mexican heritage this year, Metro Phoenix Cinco de Mayo celebrations showcase the best in food, music, festivities and more.
Diego Pops
If you’re looking for a “playful twist on authentic Mexican favorites,” Diego Pops is the place for you this Cinco de Mayo. Nestled in Old Town Scottsdale, this eatery lives up to its playfulness with unique offerings such as brussels sprout nachos (with street corn queso, queso Oaxaca, Fresno chili, pickled onion, roasted garlic beet crema and fried egg) and its authenticity with more traditional options such as quesadillas and taquitos. Happy hour specials include dine-in margaritas ($6) and tequila sampling all day long! Guests can enjoy happy hour specials from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and receive half-off appetizers.
Heritage at Sportsman’s Park
An integral element in celebrating Cinco de Mayo is music! Gather the family and head to Glendale to Heritage at Sportsman’s Park on the Great Lawn (adjacent to State Farm Stadium) for live music. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m., ending at 9 p.m. Attendees will enjoy $2 tacos and $3 margaritas.
Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill
This Scottsdale-based, premier destination for tacos and margaritas celebrates its eighth anniversary this month — just in time for Cinco de Mayo! In honor of Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill’s founding month and Cinco de Mayo, guests will begin by being welcomed through the restaurant’s archway lined with colorful piňatas. From there, tantalizing menu favorites like al pastor tacos (with chili marinated pork topped with pineapple salsa, cabbage + cotija cheese) and chunky carne asada burritos (with marinated steak with black beans, cabbage, crema, guacamole, pico de gallo + Oaxaca cheese) will be served from restaurant and patio to parking lot (complete with outdoor-tented bars). Plus, they’ll be live music and a Selena impersonator.
The Mexicano
Why celebrate Cinco de Mayo on one day when you can extend the fiesta to three days? May 5 – 7, The Mexicano is hosting a fun-filled, dynamic Cinco de Mayo festival to include wrestling matches from top Mexican luchadores, carnival games, live music, elevated street-style food, VIP seating opportunities and more. And, this three-day event includes a philanthropic component: a portion of event proceeds will be donated to Childhelp, an organization dedicated to aiding victims of child abuse and neglect.
Cinco de Mayo at Hidden Lake
As Buckeye’s not-so-best-kept-secret waterfront, recreation spot, Hidden Lake is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. In residence will be West-Valley-based taco trucks MoLos and Mi.Ofrenda and entertainment group, Tex-AZ Troubadours. The event is free starting at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m. Parking is $10. It’s suggested by the venue to bring your own chairs for open seating or reservations can be made for group seating, here.
*Coffee-lovers bonus
Those who jones for the java are going to love Black Rock Coffee Bar’s Mexican Mocha Drink special. Made with premium spiced ground chocolate and espresso, the iced or hot mocha also includes 2% milk, cocoa liquor, real vanilla, almond and cinnamon spices. The coffee franchise is serving this spicy beverage for $3 (medium-sized drink) all day on Cinco de Mayo.
