Best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in 2025
From lively festivals to colorful parades to tasty Mexican cuisine, discover the best Cinco de Mayo destinations.
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Cinco de Mayo is more than just a reason to party in the streets, margarita in hand. It's a dazzling celebration of Mexican culture, history, and community—and the perfect excuse for your next spirited escape.
From mariachi-led parades to fun all-day festivals, let the fiesta begin.
Celebrate in one of the most vibrant Cinco de Mayo destinations in the U.S. Get festive at Market Square with mariachi music, folkloric dances, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex food, while nearby Trader's Village hosts carnival rides, free live music, and authentic Mexican rodeo events.
Old Town San Diego hosts one of the most authentic Cinco de Mayo festivals just minutes from the Mexican border—complete with folklórico dancers, festive music, and irresistible Mexican cuisine. Add in close beach access and beautiful weather, and you’ve got the ultimate Cinco de Mayo vacation.
Join Fiesta Broadway–the world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration— for pulsating Latin beats, mouthwatering street food, piñata-smashing festivities, and performances from top Latin American artists.
Creative, colorful Portland—Guadalajara’s sister city—knows how to celebrate with flair. The city's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Waterfront Park features artisan markets, beautiful dance performances, mezcal tastings, live mariachi bands, and some of the best food trucks north of the border.
The Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” festival in Denver is one of the largest in the U.S. Dance and eat through the all-day fiesta featuring a vibrant parade, impressive low-rider show, and three stages pumping mariachi, salsa, and norteño rhythms.
Downtown Fiesta dazzles with Grammy artists, baile folklórico, family activities, and amazing street food—all supporting Latinx scholarships while showcasing vibrant Mexican culture. With nonstop sunshine and desert views, it’s the perfect backdrop for your Cinco de Mayo vacation.
Between sizzling taco cook-offs, outdoor concerts, and downtown block parties, the city turns up the heat with its lively, music-driven celebrations. Think spending the day with live Tejano bands, artisanal micheladas, and queso until you siesta.
Santa Fe’s Cinco de Mayo festivities highlight the city’s deep-rooted cultural connections through vibrant street fairs, traditional food, historical exhibits, and dance performances that blend Latin and Native influences.
The city’s Plaza District is a hub for celebrations, featuring local artists, mariachi music, and some of the best green chile enchiladas north of the border.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While it's a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it’s widely celebrated in the U.S. as a tribute to Mexican culture, heritage, and pride.
Yes, but it's primarily observed in the city of Puebla with official ceremonies, parades, and reenactments. Most other areas in Mexico do not celebrate Cinco de Mayo as extensively as many parts of the U.S.
Cinco de Mayo events come in all styles—from parades and public pageants to intimate food and music festivals. Here’s what you might experience:
Some of the most family-friendly Cinco de Mayo events include San Antonio’s Historic Market Square celebration, Denver’s “Celebrate Culture” Festival, and San Diego’s Old Town Fiesta. These events feature kid zones, live cultural performances, crafts, and traditional food—all in safe, welcoming environments ideal for families.
Top cities for large-scale Cinco de Mayo celebrations include Los Angeles (Fiesta Broadway), San Antonio, San Diego, Phoenix, and Denver. These cities host parades, music festivals, and cultural performances that attract thousands of attendees.
