Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day. But the holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Over time, the celebration evolved in the United States—especially throughout the Southwest—into a vibrant recognition of Mexican culture, heritage and community pride. And if there’s one thing the Southwest knows how to do well, it’s throw a celebration with flavor.
From salsa dancing under desert skies to lowrider car shows, fajita feasts and lively street festivals, Cinco de Mayo festivities are returning across the region this May. Here are a few places to join the party.
A Long-Standing Tradition Festival Weekend in Phoenix, AZ | May 3–4
One of the Southwest’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations returns to the Valley with live music, lucha libre wrestling, local vendors, cultural performances and plenty of food. The annual festival has become a longtime tradition, drawing crowds ready to celebrate Mexican culture in full color.
Learn more at cincophx.com
Visit Tucson
A Salsa Party in Tucson | May 3
Not the kind you order chips with, this is an event to get ready to dance. Tucson’s Cinco de Mayo Salsa Party brings the rhythms of Latin music to the dance floor with live performances from Zona Libre Band. Enjoy an energetic evening filled with dancing, cocktails and more
Learn more at visittucson.org/event.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Village Camp in Flagstaff | May 3
Up north, Flagstaff’s Village Camp hosts a family-friendly fiesta complete with live entertainment, festive food and mountain-town charm. It’s the perfect excuse to escape the desert heat and celebrate beneath the pines.
Learn more at flagstaff365.com.
4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Car Show in Santa Fe | May 3
Classic cars, chrome details and community pride take center stage during this annual Cinco de Mayo car show. Expect vintage rides, custom builds and, of course, plenty of vendors to explore.
Learn more at santafeplacemall.com.
A Citywide Celebration in El Paso | May 2–5
Considering this is where the famous Battle of Puebla took place, El Paso goes big for Cinco de Mayo, with a packed lineup of events happening throughout the city. Start at the Mexican American Culture Center, where you’ll enjoy crafts for kids, live performances and dive into history.
Learn more at visitelpaso.com/events/cinco-de-mayo
Cinco de Mayo Fajita Festival in Amarillo | May 3
If your ideal celebration involves sizzling skillets and smoky flavors, Amarillo’s fajita festival might be calling your name. Expect live entertainment, vendors and plenty of fajitas hot off the grill.
Learn more at visitamarillo.com.
Art & Food Festival in Old Town San Diego | May 2–3
The Historic Old Town of San Diego transforms into a lively celebration of Mexican culture during this annual art and food festival. Here, you’ll enjoy mariachi music, folklórico performances, artisan vendors and authentic eats woven throughout one of California’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Learn more at oldtowncincodemayo.com.
VISIT DENVER & TruBlu Images
A Taco-Eating Contest and Festival Weekend in Denver | May 2–3
Bring your appetite. Denver’s massive Cinco de Mayo Festival returns to Civic Center Park with live music, folklórico dancers, mariachi performances, lowrider displays and a taco-eating contest that’s not for the faint of heart. One of Colorado’s longest-running cultural celebrations, the weekend festival blends community pride, entertainment and enough tacos to justify a second plate.
Learn more at cincodemayodenver.com.