Ready To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo? The Best Events, Specials, More In Tucson And Nearby

TUCSON, AZ — Cinco de Mayo is rapidly approaching, so if you're looking for fun events and food or drink specials, you've come to the right place.

Patch gathered a collection of things you can do on May 5, which you can find here.

Tucson

1. As part of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, festivities continue through May 8. Check the schedule for more information.
2. On Cinco de Mayo, the conference features a Cinco de Mayo Concert by Los Gallegos and Compañia de Danza Folklórico. Tickets Required.
3. If exercise is your form of celebration, then Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo 10K/5K/1 Mile is the perfect event, which takes place on Sunday. Participants can choose the race length that is best for them as well as whether to enter a run or walk event. An event for kids is also offered. More Information and Registration Here.
4. For a different type of celebration, head to The Moonstone on the rooftop of the Graduate Tucson. Hosted by Mamitas Tequila Seltzer, the event features Brody Jenner and Devin Lucien performing a DJ set from 3 - 5 p.m. 21+. Tickets Required.
5. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Hotel Congress Plaza, starting at 6 p.m. The festivities will feature food and drink specials as well as live music from Santa Pachita and DJ Buttafly. 21+.Tickets Required.

Bonus!

If you prefer a more relaxed celebration, take a look at our best outdoor dining spots.

• Tuscon.

Headed to Phoenix this Cinco de Mayo? Best Places To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo 2022 In Phoenix, Nearby Areas

What It's All About

Before you head out the door to the Cinco de Mayo celebration of your choice, here's a little rundown on what all the fuss is about this holiday.

A common misconception is that the day celebrates Mexican independence. That's not the actual case.

Cinco de Mayo observes the date of the battle of Puebla in 1862, when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French, who were occupying the area seeking unpaid debts.

A common misconception confused the holiday with Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16. The country had already gained its independence from Spain years before the battle of Puebla, which was part of a war the Mexican army ultimately lost to the French.

READ MORE: Cinco de Mayo: 5 Things To Know Before America Celebrates

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