Cinco de Mayo is this Saturday. Each year in the U.S., the holiday brings out sombreros, revelers and tequila in celebration of Mexican pride and heritage. Before you head out to your drinking festivities this weekend, it is important to know the history of the popular holiday.
Contrary to popular belief, the holiday is not in remembrance of Mexican Independence Day, which is on Sept. 16. It is the anniversary of when the Mexican military won the battle of Puebla against France in 1862.
In 1862, Mexico was indebted to France. The French government, ruled by Napoleon III, sent a troop of 6,000 men to invade the small town of Puebla de los Angeles, in east-central Mexico. In response, Mexico’s leader Benito Juarez sent a ragtag army of 2,000 men to Puebla to defend the town. Although outnumbered, the small Mexican army won the battle.
For those wanting to celebrate the holiday, Denver has a few options. Illegal Pete’s East Evans Avenue location will offer happy hour prices on house margaritas and $1 off select tequilas.
The Kennedy Station on East Dartmouth Avenue will offer food and drink specials, including $2.50 shredded beef or chicken tacos and $3 house margaritas from 12 p.m. until midnight.
Mezcal-Colfax will have 4 days of celebration from May 3-6, including a free Latin reggae concert by the Mono Verde Collective. The times of the events varies each day.
For more of a cultural experience, the Celebrate Culture Festival will be held at Civic Center Park from May 5-6 from 10 a.m until 8 p.m on both days. The free event is produced by the New West Side Economic Development (NEWSED), a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing opportunities to low and moderate income individuals and families. The event will feature traditional Mexican cuisine, live entertainment, a parade, a taco eating contest and a Chihuahua race. Over 400,000 people are expected to attend.
For Latin art, visit the Museo de Las Americas on Santa Fe Drive. It will be open from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5. The museum features ancient and contemporary Latin@ artwork. The current exhibit, Pachucos Y Sirenas, runs until May 26. The exhibit features art and fashion from the Pachuco era during the 1930s and 1940s.
