Why Is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated More in the U.S. Than Mexico?

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mainly observed in Puebla with military parades and reenactments. It’s a local celebration, not a national holiday.

In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican-American culture, especially in communities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, and Chicago. By the 20th century, it became a way to:

In the 1980s and 1990s, U.S. brands helped commercialize the day, turning it into a popular event centered around festive gatherings, colorful décor, and yes — tacos and margaritas.

🌮 How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Respectfully
Cinco de Mayo is a joyful day — but it’s also one with deep cultural roots. Here are some fun and thoughtful ways to honor it:
Learn the history (you already are — yay!)
Support local Mexican restaurants and artisans
Try traditional dishes like mole poblano (which originated in Puebla), tacos al pastor, or tamales
Enjoy music and dance, like Mariachi, Banda, and Folklórico
Celebrate Mexican contributions to U.S. culture, past and present

And of course — gather with friends, raise a glass, and toast to courage, community, and culture.

✨ The TacoTuesday.com Spirit
At TacoTuesday.com, we’re all about celebrating what brings people together: good food, great conversation, and shared joy. Cinco de Mayo is more than just a party — it’s a reminder of how resilience, pride, and heritage can unite and uplift communities.

So whether you’re planning a backyard fiesta, ordering tacos from your favorite taquería, or simply raising a glass of sangria, know that this day is rooted in something powerful.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Zesty Citrus Margarita Pitcher for Cinco de Mayo

Bright, tangy, and made for a crowd — this Zesty Citrus Margarita Pitcher is the ultimate party drink for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Bursting with the bold flavors of fresh lemons, limes, and oranges, this recipe brings sunshine to your glass and pairs perfectly with a table full of tacos.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Instructions

Cinco de Mayo Sangria Recipe

Looking to impress your guests this Cinco de Mayo? This festive red wine sangria is a fruity, colorful, and refreshing way to celebrate in true party style. Infused with the bold flavors of juicy blueberries, crisp apples, and sun-kissed oranges, this make-ahead cocktail is ideal for a table full of tacos and laughter.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard fiesta, planning a Taco Tuesday takeover, or simply sipping with friends, this Cinco de Mayo sangria pitcher is a crowd-pleaser that brings vibrant flavor to every glass.

🍷 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

🫐 Instructions

🎉 Cinco de Mayo Party Tip:
Serve this sangria in a big glass pitcher or punch bowl surrounded by tacos, guac, and colorful décor. It’s a surefire way to keep the party vibrant and your guests refreshed all night long!

🌮 Taco Pairing Idea
Pairs perfectly with carne asada tacos, al pastor, or spicy veggie tacos — the fruity notes of the sangria complement the smoky and savory taco flavors.

Puesto Celebrates Cinco Days of Cinco

Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar’s Cinco de Mayo festivities span five days with Cinco Days of Cinco from Thursday, May 1 through Monday, May 5. During this celebration, Puesto will highlight a special taco, festive shooter flight, and an exclusive beer, all available for a limited time to complement the restaurant’s award-winning menu of modern Mexico City cuisine.

Puesto’s Cinco Days of Cinco special offerings include:

– Taco de Pulpo – grilled octopus, salsa verde, ayocote & heirloom tomato salad, and yuzu kosho mayo on a handmade, non-GMO, organic blue corn tortilla

Taco de Pulpo

– Bandera Mexicana Shooter Flight – Cucumber Margarita, Coconut Margarita, and Mexican Candy Shot highlighting the colors of the Mexican flag

– Puesto Fiesta Lager – brewed at the Puesto Cervecería in Mission Valley, San Diego, this beer is Puesto’s nod to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo; the subtle notes of toast and honey biscuit are balanced by the hint of hop bitterness (6.2% ABV)

Puesto Fiesta Lager

Following Cinco Days of Cinco, Puesto will offer the following Cyber Cinco promotions on May 6 and May 7 via DoorDash:

– Tuesday, May 6 – Get a FREE Toasted Hazelnut Tres Leches Cake with the minimum purchase of $30

– Wednesday, May 7 – Burrito BoGo (excluding burrito boxes)

Find more information, including Puesto menus, locations and reservation information online at www.eatpuesto.com.

Easy Cinco de Mayo Margarita Pitcher Recipe

Time to get ready for Cinco de Mayo. It’s time to celebrate with a classic and refreshing drink that’s sure to be a hit. Whip up a pitcher of this super easy margarita to enjoy this weekend. This easy recipe ensures that you spend less time mixing drinks and more time enjoying the company.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Gather your amigos, turn up the music, and raise a glass to Cinco de Mayo!

Find more Margarita Recipes Here

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Cinco de Mayo 2024 LA & OC Celebrations

Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM, Inc.)

Join Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM, Inc.) and celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade on Sunday, May 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy performances by UCLA’s Mariachi de Uclatlán, Academia de Danza BFFM and recording artist Danny Muñoz. Guests will also enjoy outdoor dining from local favorites including Casa Martin, Cabo Cantina, 1212 and Ugo Trattoria. 

1200 block of Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Catalina Museum for Art & History | Avalon, Catalina Island 

Join art and culture enthusiasts for the biggest celebration of Mexican heritage and pride on Catalina Island, as Catalina Museum presents its annual  Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Sunday, May 5 from 6 to 9 p.m.! Enjoy live music by island favorites Sin Frontera, captivating traditional dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Quetzal, and savor popular Mexican dishes from local food vendors. Engage in an exciting art project and raise a toast with margaritas, wine, beer and more. Come together with the community to honor the spirit of Cinco de Mayo. 

Catalina Museum for Art & History

217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704

Descanso I Costa Mesa

Descanso Restaurant invites you to a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 4-5. Enjoy a fiesta brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with dishes like Heuvos con Bistec and Francesca Toast, plus $32 Margarita Pitchers and bottomless Bloody Marias. On May 5th only, get complimentary Chef Angulo’s Mango Morita Chile Chicken Wings with $10 margaritas and $5 Modelo drafts. For those without reservations, the Street Taco Lounge is available for walk-ins, featuring gourmet tacos and specialty margaritas. Live music on May 4 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., and May 5 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Join the modern taqueria for the ultimate modern Mexican fiesta!

Address: 1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 486-3798

Miguel’s Jr. I Orange County & Inland Empire

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Miguel’s Jr., the beloved family-owned California Mexican quick-service restaurant in OC and IE, is offering their iconic Bean, Rice & Cheese and Bean & Cheese Burritos for only $1.99 all day. Available at all Miguel’s Jr. locations, patrons can enjoy these flavorful options through dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, online ordering, or delivery.

San Pedro Fish Market | San Pedro, Long Beach and Wilmington

Discover a Cinco de Mayo fiesta at San Pedro Market’s three locations across SoCal! At San Pedro Fish Market Long Beach, indulge in the flavors of Grilled Shrimp or Baja Tacos Plates and enjoy a refreshing 16oz Draft Beer for just $4. Over at the Landing located in San Pedro, CA, entice your taste buds with Rockfish or Shrimp Tacos Plates and savor on $4 draft beers. In Wilmington, feast on any Two Tacos or Taco Plate and delight in a 16oz draft beer for just $4. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with this irresistible offer available at all locations!

2ND & PCH

Shop over 20 local businesses and enjoy entertainment at the Cinco de Mayo Unidos Vendor Market on Sunday, May 5th from 12 – 5 pm. The curated open-air market celebrates the holiday with folklórico dancers, a mariachi band, photo opportunities, drinks by Beachwood Brewing and special crafts for visitors to shop.

E 2nd St & Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90803

Captain Dave’s I Dana Point Harbor

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with friends and family on an unforgettable 2-hour cruise in picturesque Dana Point Harbor. On the main deck, you will enjoy a delicious catered lunch with tacos, margaritas and panoramic views of the beautiful harbor. Head upstairs to the second deck to enjoy the sunshine, refreshing ocean breeze and stunning sights while live mariachi musicians play. 

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

949-577-8403

Bartending Super Stars and TacoTuesday.com Partner For Cinco De Mayo

TacoTuesday.com and local bartending legends, Inga Tantisalidchai and Catalin Ayala are collaborating to shine light on a little-known fact this Cinco de Mayo. Few people realize that Gabriela Romo de la Peña and her two sisters shaped Tequila Herradura’s modern history. Gabriela introduced Reposado tequila to the world in 1974 and for that we celebrate her.

“When we started to look deeper into Herradura’s history, we learned that the brand has an amazing history of empowering females,” said Pamela Waitt, founder of TacoTuesday.com. “Gabriela Romo de la Peña’s story is one we plan to shine a spotlight on while uplifting all of the amazing female bartenders we know throughout California & Texas.”

This Thursday, as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, raise a glass to Gabriela Romo de la Peña with your favorite bartender. For at home Herradura recipes, watch our latest video.

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