Grab a piñata, a bottle of Jose and your best pals this weekend because it’s time to celebrate America’s favorite south-of-the-border holiday: Cinco de Mayo, the holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
With some good eats across the Twin Cities and a fair amount of public celebrations, you’re bound to stumble into some Minnesotan fun soaked in Mexican culture.
What to attend:
What: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
When: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday
Where: César Chavez Street, St. Paul
Cost: Free
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a 5K family run for the athletic guys and gals, but the real meat off this pizza pie begins with the parade and subsequent activities: live music, the lowrider car show — I can smell the hydraulic fluid from here — and batches of Mexican food vendors. And for the love of all things holy, don’t miss the vibrant Mariachi groups that will be roaming the festival. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a testament to the heritage of West St. Paul and involves a mix of amusing activities to educate you on the holiday we celebrate — aside from its logical connections to quesadillas and tequila. Olé!
What to drink:
Cinco de Mayo is a sublime holiday to explore the versatility of one of Mexico’s most popular exports — tequila! Spend your day with the devil until a midday nap, and then switch to riding the bull into the evening.
El Diablo
1 1/2 ounces Jose Cuervo Tradicional
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Splash of ginger ale
1 lime wedge
Mix all ingredients together, top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with the lime — drink for the majority of the holiday.
The Bull and its Horns
3 ounces of Tequila
2 ounces Red Bull
1 ounce rum
1 ounce cranberry juice
Mix together tequila and rum, pour into a glass with Red Bull and top with cranberry juice for a post-nap beverage to make you feel alive.
Where to eat:
El Nuevo Rodeo, 2709 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
This restaurant and nightclub is hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations with live music and a whole lot of dancing. The Rodeo will be serving traditional Mexican cuisine and drinks both inside and outside its Lake Street location, so put on a sombrero and your dancing shoes and come prepared for an all-day celebration.
Barrio Tequila Bar, 235 E. Sixth St., St. Paul
From noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Barrio will get guests ready to toast to the holiday with discounted beverages. With $5 margaritas and $3 Dos Equis taps during those times, you’re certain to have several rounds of cheers-ing to Cinco de Mayo.
Masa, 1070 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
This downtown Mexican-food favorite knows how to live it up this holiday: with a live disc jockey, drink specials and street food specials from noon to 8 p.m. Delight in $3 margaritas, $1 jello shots and $2 shots of tequila.
