Cinco de Mayo Traditions and Happenings in San Diego

Contrary to popular belief, May 5th is not Mexico’s Independence Day. May 5 commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. The holiday was declared by Mexico’s President Juárez in 1862 as “Battle of Puebla Day.”

The celebration was not widely recognized until the 1960s when Mexican Americans adopted the date as a way to celebrate the community. Today, people far and wide ‘celebrate’ the occasion by eating Mexican food and enjoying a margarita or Mexican beer. In fact, CNN reports that in the United States, Cinco de Mayo is the biggest non-winter drinking day of the year, and it’s in the top five drinking holidays in general.

Are you looking for something exciting to do to celebrate the day?

At Casa Guadalajara in Old Town guests will receive $1 off on all Dos Equis products, as well as discounted pricing on house favorites. Happy hour prices will be available at the cantina, as well as promotional giveaways from Patron, Hornitos, Corona, Cabo Wabo and Dos Equis.

Casa de Pico in Grossmont Center you can enjoy food, music and folkloric performances throughout the day as well as giveaways.

At Casa de Bandini in The Forum, Carlsbad you can celebrate with music, giveaways and hourly specials on select beers, tequilas and margaritas, including the “Milagro Mexican Belini” margarita, a tasty combination of Milagro Tequila Silver, Cointreau, white peach syrup, sweet and sour and organic sliced peaches, shaken and served on the rocks. Small house margaritas will also be $2 off and Dos Equis, Partida Tequila and Clase Azul Tequila specials begin at 4 p.m.

Casa Sol y Mar in Del Mar Highlands Town Center are celebrating with street tacos and a special salsa bar, $20 beer buckets and strolling mariachis who will be performing. Representatives from Dos Equis and Corona will also be there to liven up the party with giveaways and souvenirs.

RA Sushi Viva Las Vegas Roll

Tony Roma’s is celebrating with a limited time menu items that blends America’s favorites with Mexican flavors. The Nacho Burger and Tony Roma’s Original Baby Back Ribs smothered with Tequila BBQ Sauce will be offered May 1 – May 5.

RA Sushi will be also be celebrating with a special $6 Emperor’s Margarita, all month long and 2 for 1 Viva Las Vegas Rolls every Tuesday.