Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle between Mexico and France on the morning of May 5, 1862 at Puebla, Mexico. Located 100 miles east of Mexico City, the city of Puebla witnessed a victory for the Mexican troops under the command of General Zaragosa. One hundred and forty-seven years later, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated as a festival of Mexican culture, art and music across the U.S.
1. "Celebrate Culture" at Cinco de Mayo Festival
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Denver's Cinco de Mayo festival unites traditional Mexican food, artwork, crafts and music downtown in Civic Center Park. Sample fresh tamales, or simply be serenaded by Mariachi bands strolling around the park. The festival is sponsored by NEWSED (New West Side Economic Development.) Date: Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, 2009
Location: Civic Center Park, Denver
Time: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. both days
Cost: Free admission.
Contact: 303-534-8342
2. Drink a Few (but Maybe not Five) Margaritas
Cinco de Mayo without margaritas is like a tequila shot without salt. Savor the city's best margaritas at one of these five (yes, count 'em, five) Mexican restaurants in Denver.
- Rio Grande at 1525 Blake St. pours the city's strongest margaritas.
- El Noa Noa at 722 Santa Fe Dr. features an outdoor patio in the Santa Fe art district, as well as generous pitchers of margaritas.
- Mezcal at 3230 E. Colfax Ave. offers a selection of top-shelf tequilas for the discriminating margarita drinker.
- Blue Bonnet at 475 S. Broadway has a casual air but serious margaritas.
- You can't miss with Benny's margaritas at 301 E. 7th Ave.
3. Visit the Museo de Las Americas
The Museo de Las Americas, founded in 1991 in the Santa Fe art district, exhibits art from across Latin America. Exhibitions range from Aztec artifacts to work from modern artists exploring Latino themes. The museum also features bilingual workshops on such artists as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo for schoolchildren. Date: Open Tuesdays - Sundays (Closed Mondays)
Location: 861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver
Time: Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends.
Cost: Tickets are $10.
Contact: 303-571-4401
4. "Sunsets & Margaritas" at the DCPA
A world premiere play by José Cruz González examines three generations of a a Mexican-American family. The culture clash between the younger generation and the more traditional generation creates drama for the Serrano family. The playwright interviewed Colorado Latinos as the basis for his work.Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Location: The Ricketson Theatre
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $35 - $40.
5. Crafty Kids: Ojo de Dios
The Denver Public Library is hosting a free craft day for kids with this traditional Mexican craft of Ojo de Dios, or God's Eye. The craft can be made with popsicle sticks and multicolored yarn. The Huichol peoples of northwestern Mexico originated the Ojo de Dios as a ritual tool representing the four elements. Date: May 5, 2009
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Athmar Park Library
Cost: Free
