Celebrating Cinco
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: From educational to just plain fun, Orange County has plenty of activities to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
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Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican independence, as many people believe; Mexican Independence Day is actually on September 16. Instead, the fifth of May commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla (Mexican forces were outnumbered two to one).
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla. Here in the United States, Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans -- and to drink heavily.
If you’re still trying to decide on how to celebrate, keep your calendars open on and around the fifth: Whether you’re on the lookout for free events, activities for families or an excuse to party, Orange County has got your Cinco de Mayo covered.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Fiesta Storytime
7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park
714.826.4100 :: buenapark.lib.ca.us
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Buena Park Public Library will have a special Cinco de Mayo story time. Children can learn to make paper bag piñatas, hear tall tales and listen to songs.
Recuerdos de Mexico
2301 W. MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana
714.564.3282 :: www.ocsarts.net
Orange County High School of the Arts will host a ballet folklorico concert at Sergstrom High School at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children.
Santa Ana Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Fourth Street, Santa Ana
714.843.6080 :: ci.santa-ana.ca.us
Orange County’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival takes place May 1-2 in downtown Santa Ana. The event lasts from morning to evening and will feature carnival rides and games, live music and entertainment, and authentic Mexican food.
Sunday, May 2
Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon & Festival
71 Fortune Dr., Irvine
949.859.6312 :: pcrf-kids.org
Head to the Irvine Spectrum Center to cheer on participants of the 5K Run/Walk, the 10K Run or the 1K Kids Fun Run, which are part of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon. Before and after the race, enjoy food and entertainment, such as a live mariachi band, bounce houses, a tide pool, a rock climbing wall, and more. Festivities last from 7-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine
949.428.3900 :: pretendcity.org
If you want to teach your kids more about Cinco de Mayo, head over to Pretend City Children’s Museum. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., learn about this holiday through stories, art projects and short lessons in Spanish.
Cinco de Mayo Partida Tequila
2647 Park Ave., Tustin
714.258.7600 :: thewineryrestaurant.net
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will be serving signature Partida Tequila cocktails and appetizers. A live band will provide entertainment. Call for reservations.
El Torito Grill
Anaheim ::714.937.1248
Irvine :: 949.975.1220
Newport Beach :: 949.640.2875
:: etgrill.com
El Torito Grill is always a great place to get a taste of Mexico, but for Cinco de Mayo, some locations will be having $2 flautas, tacos, taquitos, and wings after 5 p.m. The Newport Beach location will also feature a DJ, and the Dos Equis Girls are scheduled to make an appearance. Call ahead to see what your nearest location has in store.
Renaissance ClubSport Cinco de Mayo Party
50 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo
949.330.5560 :: renaissanceclubsport.com
The Renaissance ClubSport will open up their lounge and patio for an adults-only Cinco de Mayo Party. From 6-10 p.m., a mariachi band will provide the soundtrack for a fun night out with the Corona Girls, tequila shooters, margarita specials, and $1 tacos. For a fee, child care is available for kids ages six months to 12 years.
Muttropolis Cinco de Mayo Party for Pooches
865 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach
949.717.6888 :: muttropolis.com
Who says only humans can celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Muttropolis in Fashion Island will be holding a special two-hour event from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served and customers will get 10% off purchases made during the party.
Saturday, May 8
San Clemente’s 20th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Max Berg Plaza Park, 1100 Calle Puente, San Clemente
949.361.8264 :: san-clemente.org
San Clemente’s Cinco de Mayo event will feature an array of live entertainment, including Aztec dancers and ballet folklorico. There will also be a student art contest, children’s activities and authentic food and beverages. The festivities will run from 12-6 p.m.
