Algonquin, LITH-Area Restaurants Offer Cinco De Mayo Deals

ALGONQUIN AND LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Hundreds of U.S. cities are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, including Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, as a nod to Mexican culture and heritage. Did you know the May 5 holiday is distinctly American?

Cinco de Mayo observes the date of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated Napoleon III’s powerful French troops, who were occupying the area seeking unpaid debts. A common misconception confuses the holiday with Mexican Independence Day, or El Día de la Independencia, which is Sept. 16.

The holiday was popularized as a U.S. celebration by Latinos in California and the Pacific Northwest who, upon learning of the Battle of Puebla, formed organizations that raised money for Mexican troops.

If you're looking to dine in or get some take-out Sunday, here are a few Mexican restaurants in the Crystal Lake and Cary area:

• Broken Oar, 614 Rawson Bridge Road, PortBarrington, will host four days of live music, which started Thursday and will continue through Sunday. On Cinco de May, Modern Day Romeos will be performing starting at 2 p.m. More information on summer entertainment at the Broken Oar can be found here.
• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 1512 S Randall Road, Algonquin, will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo for the first five days of May. As part of the celebration, there will be $5 Cinco Ritas available every day as well as $5 beer and $5 queso. There is a different flavor margarita available for $5 each day with the Perfect Patron Rita featured Friday, the Blue Duck Rita & Duck Island Breeze Rita on Saturday and the Spicy Rita, Blue Duck Oasis Rita and Duck Island Breeze Rita all available on Sunday.
• Guzman y Gomez, 5459 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake: The local restaurant will be serving up $3 coronas and frozen margaritas (with purchase of any food item) on Sunday. Guzman y Gomez is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Antigua Mexican Grill in Crystal Lake, 1500 Carlemont Drive, and Antigua Mexican Grill in Algonquin, 2160 Lake Cook Road: both locations are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
• El Cochino, 4580 W Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills: 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday
• Mary's Tacos, 10749 Dundee-Huntley Road: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
• El Fuego Tacos & Burritos, 132 S Randall Road, Algonquin: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
• Burrito Parrilla Mexicana - Algonquin, 132 S Randall Rd, Algonquin: The restaurant is typically closed on Sundays but will be open for Cinco de Mayo.
• Amuzgo Mexican Cuisine, 1534 E. Algonquin Road, Algonquin: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The Chicano Movement of the 1970s raised the profile of Cinco de Mayo, using the David vs. Goliath storyline of more than 100 years prior as emblematic of the struggles of Mexican Americans in the Southwest to overcome institutional racism, create cultural harmony, and gain equality in labor and politics.

Cinco de Mayo as many Americans today know it is a drinking day to knock back a few tequila shots. Parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods are also a big part of today’s Cinco de Mayo festivals.

RELATED: 5 Things To Know About Cinco De Mayo, A Minor Holiday In Mexico