Cinco De Mayo: 5 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. to Celebrate the Mexican Holiday

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most well-known Mexican holidays, which is also widely celebrated in the U.S.

However, this holiday is often surrounded by misconceptions, as it was commonly associated with Dia de la Independencia or Independence Day.

USA Today mentioned a 2020 survey from YouGov that revealed that only 40 percent of Americans knew that May 5 is not about commemorating Mexico's independence.

Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

The said holiday is relatively minor in Mexico, but in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican American populations, per History.

UC Santa Barbara Chocanx Historian Mario Garcia said that Mexican Americans celebrated the holiday as a form of resistance to the effects of the Mexican-American War.

Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.

To get you more acquainted with Cinco de Mayo, here are the best places you should visit in celebration of the Mexican holiday.

San Diego, California

If you want a taste of authentic Mexican food this Cinco de Mayo, then checking out San Diego, California should be on your list.

The Old Town neighborhood in the city is located just along the border and it was the first place in California to be settled by the Spanish.

In this neighborhood, Trip Savvy noted that made-to-order tamales, tortillas, and tacos are sold during the holiday. Artisan Mercado is also present in the town during Cinco de Mayo, making delicious food and artisan crafts that can be bought by travelers.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois is also a good place for celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

According to Seeker, you can witness parades composed of local marching bands, mariachi bands, and beautifully decorated parade floats. The said parade starts from Little Village and leads to the festivities located in Douglas Park.

Salsa lessons are also available to make your experience that Latin groove during the Mexican holiday.

Phoenix, Arizona

If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo while helping other people, then you need to check out Phoenix, Arizona.

During the holiday, the fiesta in downtown Phoenix offers live music, folklorico dancing, and delicious street food.

Guests would have to pay to enter the festival but the event raises funds to award scholarships to Latino students from the Phoenix area.

Denver, Colorado

Denver celebrates Cinco de Mayo by promoting the holiday with attractions great for families and children.

During the holiday, a children's carnival with crafts and activities can be enjoyed. Furthermore, a petting zoo is also present.

A competition called Green Chili Bowl Cookoff featuring local restaurants also makes the Mexican Holiday even more special.

San Antonio, Texas

You definitely should not miss how San Antonio, Texas celebrates Cinco de Mayo every year.

Celebrations of the holiday are split into two places. One is at the city's downtown in the historic Market Square where local high school mariachi bands give live performances. You can enjoy these musical adventures while eating at the city's local restaurants.

A more thrilling experience is waiting at the fiesta at Trader's Village where carnival rides and a huge flea market can be checked out. A traditional Mexican charreria or rodeo event can also be witnessed in the area during Cinco de Mayo.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: What is Cinco de Mayo? A Brief History & Facts About Cinco De Mayo - From ETRAFFIC