¡Hola, Nevadenses!

There’s so much to do this Cinco de Mayo weekend, from family-friendly community events and a bash on Fremont Street to restaurants and bars holding specials for food and drinks.

But how did this Mexican holiday become the party-filled celebration we see across the US today?

Cinco de Mayo celebrates May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. 

It’s actually a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.

Today, we see parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. 

Take a look below and share with a friend you'd celebrate with!

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Friday, May 2:

- Cinco de Mayo Art Exhibit at the Clark County Government Center (500 S. Grand Central Parkway): Free to attend and will feature cultural performances and food, while supplies last. The exhibit will be open to the public only on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.

- Clark County annual Cinco de Mayo celebration: Set to take place on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Robert E. “Bob” Price Park (5852 E. Lake Mead Blvd.). The event is free and promises a day filled with culture, community, and activities for all ages. Highlights include piñata bashing, boxing exhibitions, and kid-friendly bounce houses.

- Cinco con SerVehZah Block Party in the Arts District (1301 S Commerce St. #130): Free event for people over 21 years old. Starting at 5 p.m., you can expect live music performances, food trucks, and specialty drinks. 

Saturday, May 3:

- Cinco De Mayo Ultimate Fiesta at Fremont Street Experience: Downtown Las Vegas will be buzzing with traditional mariachi music, contemporary Latin rock, and performances across all three of Fremont Street Experience’s stages. The festivities will begin at noon and run into the late hours of the night. The party is expected to last until Monday, May 5, when Mariachi Franco de Las Vegas, Banda Desierto, and The Outlaw Mariachi will be headlining and closing out the festivities.

- Cinco de Mayo Car Show by Kings of Kings LV: If you have a cool car to show off and want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with other car enthusiasts, roll in starts at 9 a.m. at 2875 E Charleston — each car entry is $10 and the top 10 will receive awards. You can also expect local artists performing, vendors, and raffles. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Monday, May 5:

- Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Water Street: The party kicks off with a vendor market and local bands, including Keller Middle Mariachi and Mariachi Plata. This free event starts at 5 p.m. and the headliner, Mariachi Herencia de México, will come on at 7 p.m. The Water Street Plaza is located at 240 S. Water St.

- The Plaza Hotel & Casino Cinco de Mayo Party: Starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, in and around its iconic Carousel Bar, this free to attend party will feature a variety of entertainment, including a Mariachi band, Folklorico dancers, and a DJ spinning Latin music. 

Friday, May 2 

 - Cinco de Mayo at The Row: Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, the mezzanine between Eldorado and Circus Circus will host traditional folk dancers and strolling mariachis. Enjoy lots of food offerings, plus a big selection of vendors in this bright festival throughout the Eldorado, Circus Circus, and Silver Legacy in downtown Reno. 

Saturday, May 3

- Sparks Cinco de Mayo Fest: Celebrate at the Victorian Square (1220 Victorian Plaza Cir.) in Sparks with live music, games, performances and delicious Mexican food May 3 and 4 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Sunday, May 4

- Cinco de Mayo at the Grand Sierra Resort: Uno Más at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno will be having special menu and handcrafted margaritas on Sunday and Monday. Plus enjoy live mariachi music exclusively on Sunday. 

- Cinco de Mayo Celebración in Carson City: The Brewery Arts Center in Carson City (449 W. King St.) is holding a taco taste test with margaritas, movies, family activities, music, and an art market. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendance is free.

Monday, May 5

- Cinco de Mayo at the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe: From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, the Heavenly Village at South Lake Tahoe, on the California side, will be having live Latin music, ballet folclorico performances, discounted margaritas, and taco specials at participating locations.