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SALT LAKE CITY — Since the 1860s, the United States has taken part in celebrating the Mexican Holiday Cinco de Mayo.
Celebrated every year on May 5, Cinco de Mayo is a day set aside to commemorate Mexico's victory over the French in the Battle for Puebla. California was the first state in the country to celebrate the holiday, and since then it has spread across the country with events taking place in all communities, including Utah. Events for people of all ages and interests can be found throughout the Beehive State.
Here are some to check out on Friday:
Festival Cinco de Mayo
Telemundo Utah will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo on Saturday at Centennial Park, 5405 W. 3100 South in West Valley City. The event is free and will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature traditional dances, live music, authentic food, competitions and prizes.
Midvale Cinco de Mayo
Midvale City will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on Friday and Saturday at the Midvale City Park at 455 W. 7500 South.
Friday will feature a Cinco Bingo with prizes and food cooked by Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant from 6-9 p.m.
On Saturday, celebrations will begin at 11 a.m. with the national anthem and will continue with dozens of artists performing live, traditional music. Carnival games, children inflatables and a demonstration by the Unified Police Department K-9 unit will be some of the activities available for children and family members.
Discovery Gateway STEM Lab
Discovery Gateway in Salt Lake City will have hands-on activities for children to celebrate Cinco de Mayo as part of the STEM lab. Children will be able to build their own miniature piñata, experience the "smell of Mexico," and take place in a "piñata probability." Harmons will be a special guest on the main floor of the curiosity shop. Activities are recommended for children ages 4 and older.
Gracie's Bar
Gracie’s Bar, located at 326 S. West Temple, is hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on Friday featuring a live performance by the Latin Jazz Factory All Stars. They will be performing on the outdoor patio from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Blue Iguana
The Blue Iguana in Salt Lake City and Park City are celebrating Cinco de Mayo all month with live music performances on the weekends, Cinco de Mayo swag and drink and food specials. Blue Iguana is also using this time to celebrate its 20th year of business.
Bout Time Pub & Grub
St. George’s Bout Time Pub & Grub, located at 929 W. Sunset Blvd., will be throwing a fiesta and serving Mexican bread, unlimited nachos, Coronas and margaritas starting at 10 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free and attendees must be 21 or older.
Other restaurants with high ratings and authentic Mexican food are:
Salt Lake City
Red Iguana — This is a Mexican restaurant and bar with a large menu of Mexican foods and three locations in Salt Lake City. It has been rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor and accepts reservations.
Chunga’s Mexican Restaurant — A family run, Cancun-style restaurant that serves fruity milkshakes and pineapple salsa alongside Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, salads and more.
Provo
180 Tacos — A casual, takeout taco joint that serves tacos with homemade tortillas and daily specials, rice bowls and salads.
Brasas Mexican Grill — A family run and owned restaurant serving "100 percent real Mexican food" since 2012 with two locations in Provo. It serves specialty burritos and tacos, pollo, nachos, horchata and many other options.
Cedar City
La Casa Don Miguel — A casual, sit-down restaurant with a large selection of food featuring everything Mexican. Tacos, burritos and dozens of others main dishes featuring many meat choices are available, as well as a good amount of vegetarian options.
St. George
Irmitas Mexican Grill — Authentic and cheap food options with a lunch special for $7 and features a "torta challenge."
Ninfa's Mexican Grill— Started by a family who named their restaurant after their great-great-something grandmother, Ninfa's serves breakfast (all day,) lunch and dinner, and has over 40 options of meals.
What public events did we miss? Let us know in the comments.
