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?
Getty ImagesWith our Mexican heritage, what better place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than at Old Town State Historic Park. The Old Town San Diego Fiesta Cinco de Mayo in historic Old Town San Diego along San Diego Avenue will be held May 3 and 4, 2008. This family friendly, free event is the west coast’s premiere celebration of arts and culture and the signature event of Old Town. The event features music, food, handcrafts and Southern California’s only reenactment of the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Event Dates: Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th, 2008. Event Times: Saturday, 12:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.; Sunday, 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Information for Fiesta Cinco de Mayo: 619.296.3236
Third Avenue Village will celebrate Mexico's heritage at the 11th Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 4th. The event will feature live entertainment on three stages, authentic Mexican food, beverages, and crafts, a kids' fun zone, beer garden, a singing and dancing contest, and much more. The Festival Cinco de Mayo will take place between G & E Streets in Chula Vista's Third Avenue with over 300 vendors and 40,000 in attendance. May 4, 2008, Hours: 11am-7pm, Admission: free admission, Contact:(619) 422-1982.
3. Oceanside Cinco de Mayo Fiesta En La Playa
Held at Oceanside Pier, this annual Latino Fiesta features live entertainment, sponsors, and food booths. Public Information Number: (858) 576-1919. Date: May 4, 2008. Time: 11am - 5pm. Location: Pier Amphitheater. OK, this isn't a Cinco de Mayo celebration per se. But it does occur during the weekend that most Cinco celebrations take place, and it's one of San Diego's venerable music fests. Adams Avenue Roots & Folk Festival is a free two-day extravaganza which focuses on the promotion, preservation and performance of local and nationally touring musical acts. The genres highlighted include the rich traditions of music styles such as Folk, Old Time String Bands, Cowboy, Cajun, Rockabilly, Roots-blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Roots Rock, Honky-tonk and more. Saturday, May 03 and Sunday, May 04, 2008. 10:00am - 8:00pm.
Another not-quite Cinco de Mayo festival, but the Carlsbad Village Street Fair takes place on May 4, so that's good enough reason to take in this huge annual street festival, which undoubtedly will feature Cinco-related festivities. The Village Faire features over 850 unique vendors with a little of everything: arts & crafts, antiques, unique clothing, items from around the world, and more. Children's rides, an international food center, and an old-fashioned pancake breakfast guarantee that you'll find fun for the whole family. Sunday, May 4, 2008. 8:00am to 5:00pm
