AUSTIN, Texas — The 5th of May extends beyond celebrations filled with tacos and margaritas. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of Mexican soldiers defending their territory in the Battle of Puebla. In 1862, on May 5, 6,000 French troops under the rule of Napoleon III attempted to take the Mexican city of Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza and overthrow Mexico’s current president, Benito Juarez. Mexican soldiers fought back until the French troops retreated. On May 9, Juarez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday.
The celebrations are not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is in September.
That being said, Cinco de Mayo, while not celebrated widely in Mexico, is throughout the United States, and Austin is no exception. Here are some of the hot deals to catch during your celebrations today.
Cuantos Tacos will be giving out free tacos, courtesy of Mayawell, at Arbor Food Park.
Fiesta Austin will be hosting an all-day party on Saturday, May 7 at the Fiesta Gardens to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Entrance before noon is free. There will be traditional Mexican dishes, arts, dancing and music.
Gabrielas Downtown will be having $5 margarita specials all day and $3 shot specials. There will be a DJ as well as an after party at Mala Vida Austin.
La Condesa in downtown Austin is offering a special Cinco de Mayo menu including tacos, tostadas, postres and more.
Lucky Rabbit is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a free musical performance from Audic Empire who will play into the night. There will also be free on-site tastings from Codigo Tequila and $5 queso, nachos and frozen margaritas.
Veracruz All Natural is hosting a party with a salsa band and salsa dancing, and aguas frescas and flautas. It is $12 to enter.