How to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Los Angeles
A festival known as Cinco de Mayo is held every year on May 5 to commemorate the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla during the Maximilian Affair. Given that Los Angeles is home to more Latinos than anywhere in the world outside of Mexico and Central America, it's a great place to celebrate the historic holiday.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Enjoy the May 5 Holiday in Los Angeles
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Secure accommodations in Los Angeles online or by phone prior to your arrival, if you're visiting from another city or country. You will likely need to rent a car to get around the city as well. Booking early is highly recommended, given the popularity of Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles.
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Start by attending the annual Fiesta festival, held on the last Sunday in April in downtown Los Angeles.
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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo starting on May 2 by heading to Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Situated in the oldest part of the city, Olvera Street hosts a free 3-day festival every year in honor of Cinco de Mayo, culminating on the holiday itself.
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Enjoy authentic Mexican food, music and dancing during the Olvera Street celebrations before heading elsewhere in the city to continue the party.
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Get a copy of the free Los Angeles city tabloid, L.A. Weekly (see Resources below). This publication will contain a wealth of information on the hundreds upon hundreds of bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants and neighborhoods holding Cinco de Mayo-themed events. Better yet, check this out in April, before the party starts, and have your evening planned.
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Understand that virtually every bar and Mexican restaurant in the city will host some kind of event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It is a de facto holiday in the city of Los Angeles and you should expect crowds to be very thick, no matter where you decide to spend the evening.
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Contact the City of Los Angeles for further information of the dozens of different local events the municipal government sanctions annually (see Resources below). Venues are subject to change from year to year without notice, and the most current information can be found via City Hall.
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Tips & Warnings
Leave yourself plenty of time to get to major festivals in Los Angeles on Cinco de Mayo. It is a very popular holiday, and driving, parking and walking will require a generous time allowance.
