Top 7 Best Places for Cinco de Mayo Parties
The 5th of May is approaching and is increasingly becoming a day on the calendar to celebrate annually. The Cinco de Mayo date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a time to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry, much as Oktoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Chinese New Year are used to celebrate those of German, Irish, and Chinese ancestry respectively.
This year, Cinco de Mayo marks the 150th anniversary of the victory at the Battle of Puebla where heavily outnumbered Mexican forces conquered the French on May 5, 1862. Keith Bansemer, Director of Internet Marketing at ReasonToParty, an online, party decorations store that sells Cinco de Mayo party supplies says, “Today, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States with colorful festivals, parades, home gatherings, and classroom parties.”
“The popularity of this May holiday has grown rapidly in recent years. These top 7 places represent the best Cinco de Mayo parties for 2012,? adds Bansemer.
#7 Puebla, Mexico – Festival Internacional 5 de Mayo
The home of the battle, Puebla, Mexico is going all out to celebrate the 150th anniversary. The festival has begun and continues through the holiday weekend. A highlight is the Mole Poblano festival on May 2 and 3, featuring the traditional sauce of chocolate and 20 plus ingredients.
#6 San Marcos, Texas – VIVA! Cinco de Mayo
This gateway to the Texas hill country hosts the 38th annual festival known for its parade, Little Miss and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageants, music, and Folklorico dancers. Catch the annual Texas Statewide Menudo Cook-Off which features a soup of tripe, hominy and chili which is cooked for hours and thought by many to be the elusive hangover cure.
#5 Chicago, Illinois – Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade
Chicago knows how to throw a party! Held over three days this year, the downtown parade and Douglas Park festival will draw more than 100,000 partiers throughout the weekend. The family-friendly fest celebrates Mexican heritage with live music, dancing, cultural displays, rides and games, and plenty of delicious Mexican food and culminates with a colorful parade through the Little Village neighborhood.
#4 San Antonio, Texas – Cinco de Mayo at Historic Market + Luminaria 2012
World famous for its Riverwalk, San Antonio hosts two major events over the holiday. The traditional weekend celebration held at the historic Market Square features Mariachis, Tejano and Conjunto music plus cultural dances and food. Added this year is Luminaria 2012, San Antonio?s celebration of arts and artists. Over 300,000 people are expected to be a part of these events.
#3 New York City – Street Fairs and Pub Crawls
New York?s East Harlem?s street fair is one of many Cinco de Mayo highlights. Want pub crawls? NYC?s crawls over the weekend are large and many. For $20, you can drink cheap at dozens of NYC bars; for $30, continue your crawl all day on May 6. You?re sure to find a celebration in this city that never sleeps.
#2 Denver, Colorado – Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival
Over 400,000 attend this mile-high celebration over the weekend. Mexican music, food, and arts highlight this two day party in the Rockies. The gathering boasts three large stages with continuous entertainment, featuring Cumba, Salsa, Mariachi, Norteno and many other genres of Latino music and dance. As you stroll through Civic Center Park, check out vendors displaying Mexican folk art and handcrafted goods.
#1 Los Angeles, California – Fiesta Broadway Festival
Regarded as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world, over 500,000 are predicted to make their way to downtown LA for music, food and games. Attractions are spread across 24 square blocks in downtown Los Angeles. Fiesta Broadway features live music on three stages, festival food and drink booths, community booths, arts and crafts, and cultural events. This year the 23rd annual Fiesta Broadway is on Saturday, April 29.
About Shindigz
Since 1926, Shindigz has “made life more fun” for 22 million events through the manufacture and sale of personalized party supplies. It ships products from its facilities in South Whitley, Indiana across the United States and around the world to 59 countries. With more than 36,000 products, it provides customers with a complete party solution. For more information about Shindigz, go to http://www.shindigz.com.
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