USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually across the United States. The day commemorates the 1862 military victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla.
It is not Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16th. It is, however, a reason to gather while taking in festivities and reliving a moment in history.
Puebla, the fourth-largest city in Mexico, celebrates with reenactments of the battle and parades throughout the city. The tradition has made its way across the border into the US.
Which cities host the best Cinco de Mayo celebrations?
A number of major US cities invite guests to gather for music, history, food, and drinks while honoring Mexican heritage. Some do it bigger than others.
Below are eight places that go all-out for May 5th each and every year.
Los Angeles
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LA is home to maybe the largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the United States. Upwards of 500,000 attendees get together for Fiesta Broadway – the largest such celebration in the world. Traditional cuisine and carnival rides are headliners of the event, which also includes various types of popular music.
Los Angeles also hosts the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Olvera Street, a historic Mexican marketplace that is more suited to those looking to avoid the crowds.
New York City
East Harlem hosts an annual parade that sees floats, dancers, and musicians. It is the largest Cinco de Mayo event in the five boroughs.
NYC is known for its cultural diversity. Mexican heritage and tradition are on full display in the city that never sleeps each May.
Stone Street also throws an annual Cinco de Mayo party in the Financial District of Manhattan.
San Antonio
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The celebrations in Texas are a bit more authentic than others around the country. San Antonio is the perfect example.
Each year, the three-block plaza of Market Square is blocked off for celebration. Vendors, local shops, restaurants, and entertainment make the celebration more than worth-while.
Around 40 bands come out to join the party as they turn the River Walk into a waterfront music festival.
Denver
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Denver rivals Los Angeles in size, inviting upwards of 400,000 guests for a two-day outdoor Cinco de Mayo celebration. Festivities include a car show, Chihuahua races, and a taco-eating contest.
The city’s massive craft brewery population fully embraces the parade with margarita inspired beer and authentic Mexican cuisine, celebrating a culture that makes up for 30% of the community.
St. Paul
Minnesota might not be the first place you think of when it comes to Cinco de Mayo festivals. St. Paul does it right.
The city’s major event takes place in the District del Sol, and consists of music, food, dancing, and a mock battle reenactment.
Down the road, Twin Cities puts on a show of its own for children to join in on the fun. While margaritas won’t headline that particular celebration, salsa tasting competitions more than make up for the lack of booze.
Albuquerque
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Unsurprisingly, New Mexico goes all-out on Cinco de Mayo. Albuquerque does it best. Like mentioned with the celebrations in Texas, this is about as authentic as you can get in terms of experience and history.
Multiple cultural centers highlight the Mexican heritage while bar crawls and restaurant specials allow eventgoers to get their fix of incredible cuisine.
Car shows and local bands headline the festivities, and mariachi contests allow folks to get the full music experience.
Portland
Portland’s Cinco de Mayo festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the largest multicultural event in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its diversity and welcoming of all cultures, the city invites tens of thousands annually to celebrate in May.
Music and cuisine are top notch, while the area provides great scenery for those making road trips. The celebration ends with a fireworks show to accompany carnival rides and mariachi contests.
San Diego
In southern California, you’ll enjoy live music, great food, and ideal weather at Cinco de Mayo festivals. San Diego’s celebration is one of the biggest and the best.
Thousands visit each year to help Old Town’s party rival other large events across the country. Drinks flow, food is enjoyed, and music heard all while taking in the sights and sounds of a car show.
When you’ve had enough, Balboa Park offers a more low-key scene at an all-day event displaying arts and crafts.