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. 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.
But beyond the push to imbibe, Cinco de Mayo is really a celebration of Mexican culture and San Diego does have Mexican roots (unlike, say, Iowa), so it's a perfect day to enjoy our cultural ties to our southern neighbor.
Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
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With 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 1 and Sunday, May 2, 2009. Event Times: Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Information for Fiesta Cinco de Mayo: 619.296.3236
Chula Vista Festival Cinco de Mayo & Quinceañera Extravaganza
Celebrate with Cox Communications and Third Avenue Village one of the biggest fiestas of the year! Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates Mexico’s historical battle over the French in 1848. This free event continues to be one of Third Avenue Village’s biggest events of the year bringing over 200 vendors and 30,000 people in attendance. The Cox Festival Cinco de Mayo will take place on May 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., between E and G Streets on Third Avenue. This signature event will feature live entertainment, authentic Mexican food and beverages from several Third Avenue Village restaurants and other food vendors; arts and crafts; a kids’ fun zone with mechanical rides; and a Quinceanera event and fashion show at Memorial Park Bowl.
Oceanside Cinco de Mayo Fiesta En La Playa
Oceanside will celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Univision’s annual Latino Fiesta, with live entertainment, sponsors, and food booths, at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre on May 2, 2010. Located near Oceanside Pier, Oceanside's Cinco D Mayo is sponsored by Univision’s annual Latino Fiesta. May 2, 2010, 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Pier Plaza Amphitheatre, 200 N the Strand, Oceanside, CA (858) 576-1919.
Cinco de Mayo in Solana Beach
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Solana Beach,Sunday, May 2, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.at La Colonia Park, Solana Beach. Solana Beach's free community fiesta features mariachi music, folklorico dancers, Mexican food and crafts.
