Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Clarendon

Cue up the mariachi band—Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching.

The celebration of Mexican heritage this Sunday, May 5 is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. However, Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a turning point in Mexican history and freedom. 

In the United States, it is celebrated by observing Mexican culture through food, drinks and dancing.

Clarendon's Cinco de Mayo Party

Clarendon will be home to a Cinco de Mayo block party this from noon – 8 p.m. Sunday.

Clarendon Grill, Darna, Mad Rose Tavern, Mister Days and SoBe are participating. The festival includes a mariachi band, piñatas, giveaways, raffles for Nationals and Capitals tickets and gift bags.

You can order tickets ahead of time here or swing by Mad Rose Tavern or Darna on Sunday between noon and 3 p.m. to buy tickets.

Recommended Restaurants

Northern Virginia Magazine recently gave a thumbs up to Gajillo Grill at 1727 Wilson Blvd. Read the Gajillo review here.

Highly rated on Yelp: The El Chilango food truck, which is frequently near the Clarendon Metro station.  

Elsewhere in Arlington

Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington will be featuring cerveza-influenced cocktails Friday through Monday, May 3 – 6. The cocktails are the Michelada and El Ayudacal, Northern Virginia Magazine reports. The drinks are $5 each.

Also in Shirlington: Guapo’s at 4028 Campbell Ave.

You may also consider checking out El Ranchero Bar & Grill near Ballston at 4617 Wilson Blvd.

Yelp reviewers give positive reviews to Pedro & Vinny’s Burritos at 2599 Columbia Pike.