Minnesota will transform into a vibrant fiesta this weekend to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day commemorating Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
While the battle holds historical significance in Mexico, with parades and reenactments primarily observed in Puebla, Cinco de Mayo has evolved in the United States to hold greater cultural importance for Mexican-Americans celebrating their heritage and resilience.
Here’s your guide to some of the festivities across the state:
Tropical dance and drinks
La Doña Cervecería, a Latinx-owned brewery, will kick off “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Weekend” with a two-day celebration of live music. Tropical beer cocktails, including micheladas, a Mexican-style beer, will also be available.
The Tropical Zone Orchestra will perform on Friday, playing salsa, cumbia, and merengue melodies. On Saturday, Expression Tropical and DJ Angel take the stage, while CMS Dance Studio provides complimentary salsa and bachata dancing lessons at 9:45 p.m.
Date: Friday and Saturday, May 3-4
Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Location: 241 Fremont Ave., N., Unit B, Minneapolis
Cost: $10 online. $15 at the door. Buy Friday’s ticket here and Saturday’s ticket here.
For more information: Visit dameladona.com.
Restaurant grand opening at Midtown Global Market
Midtown Global Market will celebrate “Almost Cinco de Mayo” with the grand opening of El Taco Torro’s first brick and mortar location. The Mexican eatery was founded by Jose Francisco as a food truck and catering service. The event will take place in the market’s central court and feature live performances by country rock band Los Rebeldes, Mariachi Mi Tierra, and folkloric ballet group Mexico Azteca.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit midtownglobalmarket.org.
Latinx arts and music festival
The West Side Cinco de Mayo festival will feature a parade, 40 food and art vendors, and live music on three stages showcasing Tejano, R&B, and cultural performances. Attendees can expect to see mariachi bands, Tejano groups like Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso, AfroLatinx DJ Saint, Minnesota Representative Maria Isa, and other local acts. Find the music schedule here.
Family-friendly arts activities include a children’s show by folkloric dancers Los Alegres Bailadores, along with mask making, painting, and sculpting.
Beyond the live performances, the festival boasts a lowrider car show, a dog showcase of American bulldogs, French Terriers, and exotic dogs, a community softball tournament, a corn eating contest, and a “grito” contest (joyfull yells traditionally heard in Mexican songs).
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 179 E., Robie St., St. Paul
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit westsidecincodemayo.com.
Mariachi music and Mexican folk dance
El Burrito Mexican Grill in Eden Prairie Center will host a festive food court party, featuring live mariachi music by Mariachi Mi Tierra and traditional Mexican folk dance performances. The restaurant will also offer complimentary chips and salsa, Mexican candy, and a free Mexican ice cream with a $5 purchase. Learn more here.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit elburritomexgrill.com.
