OK. First, let's clear things up: Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexican Independence Day. In fact, it is in celebration of the relatively minor Battle of Puebla, when in 1862, Mexican forces defeated the French Army - like that's any big accomplishment. Anyway, somehow, the day turned into an American celebration, and in turn, co-opted by the alcohol companies into a drinking holiday like St. Patrick's Day and Halloween.

Cynicism aside, San Diego does have Mexican roots (unlike, say, Iowa), and we are the birthplace of California. So, we can justify any sort of Cinco de Mayo festivities, OK? Read my suggestions on celebrating Cinco de Mayo in San Diego in my article here.