The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Five Destinations to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:57 AM PDT

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

Mariachi music, festive parades, traditional Mexican food…that's what you can expect on May 5th. Known as "Cinco de Mayo," May 5th commemorates Mexico's 1862 victory against the French army in the town of Puebla. As such, the holiday remains a celebration of historical importance to Mexicans and those of Mexican descent, who come together year after year to remember the Battle of Puebla. This year, you, too, can take part in the festivities. Check out the following destinations to get the Mexican party started.

Puebla, Mexico

Nowhere else in Mexico is Cinco de Mayo celebrated with more excitement than in Puebla. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site well worth seeing in and of itself. On Cinco de Mayo, Puebla becomes drenched in colorful decorations. Expect to see numerous parades that include floats, each of which represents a different part of Mexican culture and heritage. The Military, too, holds a parade to honor the victorious soldiers of the 1862 battle. While listening to mariachi music, played on a vihuela (five-string guitar), you'll see children breaking open piñatas and reveling in the sweets and toys that come pouring down.

Mexico City

To relive the Battle of Puebla, head to Peñón de los Baños in Mexico City. In this area, a group of performers re-enacts the historical event. Set up begins several days prior to May 5th, and the crowds come in advance to be sure to get a spot. During the performance, actors are armed with real rifles and customary dress of the period. While some represent the French invaders, others stand out as the Mexican army. Let the battle begin!

Oaxaca

Compared to the celebrations held in Puebla and Mexico City, Cinco de Mayo is a bit more subdued in Oaxaca. If you're looking for a more tranquil celebration, this is the place to be. Oaxaca offers you the possibility to view the Battle of Puebla as a drama. Each year, the Mecadonio Theatre puts on a performance that recreates the historical event, from the first disagreements with the French to the Treaties of Loreto and Guadelupe, to the actual declaration of war. The show ends with Mexico's victory, all of the French soldiers being shot by a firing squad.

Elsewhere in Mexico, celebrations are much more low-key. Cinco de Mayo is more of a voluntary holiday in Mexico than of a national one, meaning that people are at liberty to celebrate it or not. Similar to St. Patrick’s Day of Ireland or Columbus Day in Italy, the holiday tends to be celebrated with more zeal outside of Mexico by those of Mexican heritage. Consider the following destinations to get started:

Clarksdale, Arizona

Cinco de Mayo festivals take place in many areas of the southwest because of their large Mexican population. Each year, Clarksdale offers a unique Cinco de Mayo adventure aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. Prior to boarding the train, you'll dine on traditional Mexican fare at the Copper Spike Café. Once on board, you'll be served margaritas, as you ride through the Verde Canyon's stunning wilderness. Control your drinking or you'll see the vistas double!

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is slated as the biggest Cinco de Mayo party in the United States. From candy-filled piñatas and Mariachi bands to Mexican arts and crafts, you'll find thousands of locals and tourists coming together to celebrate in LA. Sit back and watch a parade, or if you prefer to be more active, take one of the Mexican dancing lessons. If you need to fill up on energy, there are numerous food booths to help you out. After the sun goes down, you can head to a Cinco de Mayo. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs offer live entertainment, margaritas, tequila and other specials to keep the party going until dawn.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at isabelevabohrer.com.

Find Vacation Rentals

Friday, April 6, 2012