Feliz Cinco De Mayo!! The celebration is on, and there are lots of places in Las Vegas to get in on the action.
First things first, let’s clear up a bit of confusion. Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s independence day. That would be on September 16, on the anniversary of when Mexico fought Spain in 1810.
The fifth of May is celebrated in Mexico in honor of a different battle: The Battle of Puebla. This fight happened 52 years later, in 1862. The French tried to invade the city of Puebla under General Ignacio Zaragoza. His troops were held off by a much smaller, much less equipped, group of feisty Mexican fighters, who killed about 1,000 French guys in that battle.
Eventually the French regrouped and there was a second Battle of Puebla. This time, under a new general, the French won. But the unlikely defeat of the French troops the first time around became such a morale booster for the Mexican people, they just kept celebrating it.
Every year to commemorate the anniversary, the city of Puebla has battle reenactments and military parades. California has celebrated the holiday since 1863, but it looks a little different than guys in uniform marching down an empty street. Basically in the States we just drink a lot of beer and tequila and eat Mexican cuisine.
In fact, according to Wikipedia, Cinco de Mayo pushes as much beer sales as the Super Bowl! And about 81 million avocados meet their demise on the fifth of May. Cause we love us some tasty guacamole. In the states, Cinco de Mayo has sort of evolved into a celebration of all things Mexican heritage. And we’re totally cool with that.
So now that you know WHY you’re celebrating Cinco De Mayo. Let’s get to WHERE you can get in on the party here in Las Vegas, and not have to go to The Strip. We recommend checking out these places. – Wendy
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina y Casino - 3227 Civic Center Drive, North Las Vegas
They’re being called the first hotel and casino dedicated completely to the Latin community, so you know that Cinco de Mayo party is going to be good! And they have drink specials every weekday from 2 – 7pm.