Cinco de Mayo is not only a time for tasty tacos and salt-rimmed margaritas, but it’s also a day of celebration!
But why do we celebrate the 5th of May? Well, many mistake Cinco de Mayo as Mexico’s Independence Day.
FULL LIST | Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Tampa Bay area
CINCO DE MAYO | If you're drinking, think ahead & get a safe ride home -- Don't drive drunk
May 5th is an annual holiday which commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Despite Mexico losing overall in the Franco-Mexican war, the win in Puebla became a symbol of unity for Mexico.
Now that our history lesson is over, let’s get to the party!
Casa Tina’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Location: 365 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida 34698
Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
To celebrate its 25th fiesta of Cinoc de Mayo, Casa Tina will be hosting a 2-day party on Friday and Saturday with face painting, salsa dancing, arts and crafts, a giant puppet parade and live entertainment. Main Street will be closed on both days from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m for the street party. Telemundo will even be broadcasting live from the event on Friday and Saturday. With an expansive food and drink menu, there’s plenty of options to choose from.
Ferg’s Live Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Location: 490 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
Hours: 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Grab your four-legged furry friend for this Cinco de Mayo celebration. This dog-friendly event at Ferg’s Live is free and offers live local music, games, fun prizes, contest giveaways including a giant flip cup tournament with a $500 cash prize.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Cook Off
Location: 720 East Zack Street, Tampa, Florida 3360
Hours: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
If you’re in the mood for competition, you need to check out the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Cook Off at the Tampa Fire Fighters Museum. Teams will face off against one another to see who can cook the best Mexican food. Who will win? You’ll be the judge! This family-friendly event is free, but donations will be accepted to help benefit the Tampa Firefighters Museum and other firefighter charities around Tampa Bay. Activities will also be available for the kiddos as well.
Cinco de Mayo 80s Flashback Festival
Location: 10051 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida 3361
Hours: 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Thinking about a late night Cinco de Mayo celebration? Wanting to dance your tail off to some of the best oldies? The Round Up Tampa will be playing the best 70s, 80s, 90s, freestyle and a touch of Latin from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. The event offers $2 Bud/Bud Light, $3 Coronas, $4 margaritas and nacho bar, and among other drink specials throughout the evening. Cover will cost $5.
Nueva Cantina’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party
Address: 1625 4th Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Hours: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Grab your amigos and head to the inaugural Cinco de Mayo Block Party at Nueva Cantina. It’s $20 per person where you can get all-you-can-eat chips, queso, salsa, fajitas, rice and much more! A photo booth, games, live music, beer and liquor tents are also available throughout the event. Bring your best fiesta attire and shake your maracas for this fun celebration.
Do you really want to celebrate and be a big spender? Get this, Fleming's Steakhouse has a $100 margarita. Learn more about it here.
Click here to check out our complete list of Cinco de Mayo events. Now go get your fiesta on! But always remember, never drink and drive.
-----
