Cinco de Mayo mixes together margaritas, Mexican food, and a reason to celebrate with friends. What more could you want out of a holiday? If you’re going to be near the Emerald Coast this Cinco, check out some of the town’s best parties and festivals going on.
First, A Note About Cinco
In America, it is easy to equate Cinco de Mayo with our own Fourth of July. However, it is important to note that the fifth of May is not the same as Mexico’s Independence Day. In fact, this holiday is really only celebrated in the Mexican village of Puebla, not nationally as it is in the United States. It commemorates the Mexican victory over the French army invasion of 1862, named the Battle of Puebla. The event is significant, as the defeat ultimately led Napoleon III to retreat instead of continuing to build a French empire in South America.
In the U.S., this holiday has become more of a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
Celebrations Near 30a
Now that you know a bit about why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, it’s time to find out where to celebrate.
La Cocina Mexican Grill and Bar
La Cocina, located in Seacrest Beach, is having a full Cinco de Mayo celebration that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy an all-day fiesta that includes drink specials like $6 margaritas, homemade Conecuh and crawfish tamales, pork belly street tacos, live music by Neil Sebree and Jeremiah Campbell, and an iRoam photographer with shareable branded photos.
The Bay
If you want to watch the Kentucky Derby, don’t worry – you can celebrate Cinco at the same time! The Bay in Santa Rosa Beach is hosting Derby de Mayo from noon to 10 p.m. Enjoy open-faced hot browns, mint juleps, pork and pineapple tacos, whole roasted pig, and of course, margaritas. Live music will start with Sugarcane Jane at 3 p.m. and follow with Larry Fleet and Whillip White from Nashville at 6:30 p.m.
Shades Bar & Grill
Starting at 11 a.m., Shades is featuring a special Mexican-inspired menu, drink and beer specials, and bouncy houses for the kids. The party starts at 11 a.m. and includes live music by Anne Cline from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss out on this marvelous celebration in Inlet Beach.
Down & Derby Fest
Now, if you’re more into the derby than the margs, consider attending the Down & Derby Fest, hosted by the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. This festival will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Market Shops. Tickets are $40 for early birds, $50 day-of, and $100 for VIPs. You’ll spend an evening enjoying fare from local restaurants, live music, a fashion show, awards for the best derby fashion, and a live viewing of the 144th Kentucky Derby.
Lee Nissan FWB
Enjoy your Saturday at one of these Cinco de Mayo events. Then, visit us this week at Lee Nissan in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. You’ll be happy to discover that we have an impressive lineup of affordably-priced vehicles ready for you to take home today.
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