It has almost become a cliche to point out that Cinco de Mayo has turned into more of a 'St. Patrick's Day splattered in salsa' than an authentic Mexican fiesta nowadays. What started as a commemoration of a Mexican military victory over the French has certainly taken a commercialized 'T.J Mcfunsters' turn in many places.
But not everywhere.
No, there are still plenty of cities that know how to throw a party while also paying homage to the holiday's roots, and the following cinco, erm, five are some of the best.
Los Angeles, California
The largest Cinco de Mayo soiree in the country, Fiesta Broadway takes over the streets of downtown Los Angeles each year around the fifth day of May. This year the event actually takes place on April 30 and will have the usual lineup of top-notch Latin-American entertainment stars, carnival rides, parades and traditional street food. Fiesta Broadway is the perfect way to get in the mood for the big day, with nearly every restaurant and bar in the city then throwing yet another party on May 5 itself.
Phoenix, Arizona
For more than two decades, the city of Phoenix has been putting on a multicultural show for Cinco de Mayo, and this year is set to be one of the biggest parties yet. Taking place two days after the big day on May 7, the downtown festival will feature plenty of sizzling street food, live music from national artists, and perhaps the best of all: high-flying lucha libre wrestling action. Neighboring towns Scottsdale and Tempe are also sure to be a great time during Cinco de Mayo weekend, with several smaller street parties planned.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio's historic Market Square is affectionately known by locals as the 'largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande' and on Cinco de Mayo one of the largest parties of the calendar year takes place here. The square has become a favorite haunt of tourists and locals alike due to its lively atmosphere but around Cinco de Mayo (in 2017, May 5, 6 and 7), things get taken to the next level with colorful costume parades, live music and plenty of San Antonio's signature food and drink.
Saint Louis, Missouri
While it may not be the first place you would think of when it comes to Cinco de Mayo celebrations, this Midwestern city has been throwing a Mexican-themed bash in the shadow of its famous Gateway Arch for 15 years. The party is scheduled for the day after Cinco de Mayo this year, May 6, and will take place on ultra-hip Cherokee Street. Expect live music on three stages, pinata-bashing, and the ever-popular lucha libre wrestling in addition to loads of local craft beer and tequila-tinged cocktails.
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Puebla, Mexico
While the perception is that Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated that much in Mexico, nothing could be further from the truth in Puebla. This gorgeous colonial town approximately two hours southeast of Mexico City is where the holiday was born, and they throw a full-on fiesta each year to commemorate it. It was here that Napoleon's troops were handed a shock defeat in May of 1862, and now the streets come alive with battle re-enactments, parades, and boisterous revelry each year on May 5.
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