Cinco de Mayo, translating to “Fifth of May,” is an annual celebration that commemorates Mexico’s defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a large-scale celebration of Mexican American culture and heritage as a whole (the holiday is typically celebrated more in the U.S. than in Mexico itself).
Mexican American culture is vibrant and deeply influential in Minnesota—from authentic Mexican cuisine to music, artwork, and more. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a traditional celebration, there are plenty of ways to honor the holiday in and around the Twin Cities.
Westside Cinco de Mayo Festival
When: May 2-3
Where: Cesar Chavez Street, St. Paul
Running since 1985, the Westside Cinco de Mayo Festival is a two-day celebration of the Mexican and Latinx culture and heritage in St. Paul’s Westside. This year, festivities will include a parade, live entertainment across four stages, a car show, 50 tasty food vendors, and 100 non-food vendors.
Photo by Lauren Cutshall
Cinco de Mayo Weekend at La Doña Cervecería
When: May 2-4
Where: 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis
Minneapolis’ Latinx-owned, for-benefit beer company is hosting a whole weekend of festivities in its taproom. On Friday, enjoy live music from Salsa Del Sol and DJ Jose Garcia; on Saturday, grab a cold beer and take a seat for Lucha Libre wrestling matches; and on Sunday, browse the works of local vendors and makers at a craft market.
Courtesy of La Doña Cervecería
Cinco de Mayo at Masa & Agave
When: May 2-5
Where: 1115 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis
Head to Masa & Agave for its biggest celebration of the year, taking place all weekend long. Enjoy $5 Margaritas al Gusto (customizable to your liking), $10 taco specials, and $15 bottomless chips and guac. On May 5, the restaurant will welcome local DJ and producer Lucky the Unfortunate for a special DJ set from 5-10 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Pajarito
When: May 3 (St. Paul), May 5 (Edina)
Where: 605 Seventh St. W., St. Paul; 3910 W. 50th St., Edina
Pajarito has two separate celebrations planned for its St. Paul and Edina locations. On May 3, the restaurant is throwing its annual block party in the parking lot of the St. Paul location—head to the West Seventh spot for live music, face painting, a petting zoo, artisan vendors, street food, margaritas, Mexican beers, and more.
On May 5, the Edina location will host live music from Jeff Gavin Band in the underground lounge.
Courtesy of Pajarito
Chilango Cinco De Mayo & One-Year Anniversary Party
When: May 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 2730 W. Lake St., Minneapolis
Chilango, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant from James Beard-recognized Chef Jorge Guzmán, is celebrating its one-year anniversary and Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta. Enjoy a barbecue brunch menu, drink specials, and live entertainment from local DJs and Mariachi America. Make a reservation online to secure your spot.
Celebrate With El Sazón
When: May 4-5
Where: El Sazon Cocina & Tragos, 5309 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis; El Sazon Tacos & More, 2819 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis
El Sazón has exciting celebrations in the works for both of its Minneapolis locations: Cocina & Tragos on Lyndale Avenue, and the brand-new Tacos & More at Eat Street Crossing.
On May 4, head to the annual Cinco de Mayo Block Party at Cocina & Tragos from 2-7 p.m. for festive street food, signature cocktails, local makers, and live entertainment. And on May 5, celebrate the debut of Tacos & More at Eat Street Crossing with a Grand Opening Fiesta from 5-9 p.m—there will be a live DJ, mechanical bull rides, happy hour, and exclusive gifts and giveaways.
“Our community has supported us from day one, and we’re thrilled to return that love by throwing multiple parties that celebrate our heritage, showcase our mouthwatering food and cocktails, and embody Mexican and Latin cultures,” says El Sazón’s Chef Cristian de Leon.
Limes Are Extra Launch Party at Insight Brewing
When: May 5, 3-10 p.m.
Where: 2821 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Insight’s seasonal Mexican Lager, “Limes Are Extra,” is coming back on Cinco de Mayo, and the brewery is throwing a party to celebrate. Enjoy $5 pints of the brew, try the new margarita hard seltzer slushie, play “Binjo” for the chance to win prizes, and grab special menu items from Angry Line Cook.
