Best Cinco De Mayo Events Near Minnesota
Party like it's 1862 this Cinco de Mayo. This holiday originally celebrated the victory of the Mexican army over the French but has come to be a celebration of Mexican culture, pride and independence in the United States. Minnesota, and St. Paul in particular, are home to a large population of Mexican-Americans that are eager and excited to share their culture and traditions with the rest of the community. This year, Cinco De Mayo lands on a Tuesday, or Martes to some, creating an opportunity to start celebrating on the weekend and enjoy the parties and parades until Tuesday. Enjoy the entertainment, culture, food and fun this year at any of these events.
Cinco De Mayo - West Side St. Paul
Cesar Chavez Street between Robert Street and Highway 52
West St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 223-7403
www.cincodemayostpaul.com
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Every year, West St. Paul is home to the biggest and most festive Cinco De Mayo event in the state. Supported by the St. Paul Heritage Foundation, the St. Paul Cinco de Mayo celebration offers a large range of activities, delicious food, a parade and a full day of entertainment. The Cinco de Mayo party focuses on bringing the community together to celebrate diversity and embrace the Mexican-American culture and neighborhood in Minnesota. Enjoy music and dancing, a fun parade and a jalapeno eating contest for the brave. This event lasts all day and helps support local businesses.
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 872-4041
www.midtownglobalmarket.org
The Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis is a fantastic venue of culture and community. With several vendors from Mexico and South America, Cinco de Mayo is a day of festivity at the market. Live music is featured on Friday and salsa dancing every other Sunday. El Burrito Mercado, a Mexican grocery store, offers authentic takeout and gifts from Mexico. Purchase a pinata for your own party at Fiesta In America, or enjoy a margarita at A La Salsa. Hang out with the neighborhood at the global market and immerse yourself in culture.
Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon
Square Lake Park
15450 Square Lake Trail
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 430-8200
www.trifitnesswbl.com
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015
Every year Tri Fitness of White Bear Lake sponsors a duathlon during the first week of May. The race offers a short and long course for competitors or those just looking to celebrate the weather of May with a burst of exercise. Bike and run again along the beautiful town of Stillwater and enjoy a taco feast to celebrate your victory. The event requires registration and offers a discount to those that register early. The race-ending celebration tacos are provided by Casa Lupita of White Bear Lake, home of some of the best Mexican food in the state.
Related: Best Tacos In The Twin Cities
Cinco De Mayo Youth Celebration
Phillips Park Community Center
1530 East Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 370-4888
www.activecommunities.com
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bring the kids out on a school night for a laid back evening of education, community, and fun. The Cinco De Mayo event at East Phillips Park focuses on learning about Mexican culture and history along with a fun celebration of diversity within our own neighborhood. Geared towards younger kids, and led by older kids, this youth event features activities, games, music and delicious food. Kids can learn traditional Mexican dances, hit a pinata and make some new friends in the process. The event is free but donations are accepted.
Chevy's Fresh Mex Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
Chevy's Fresh Mex
2251 Killebrew Dr.
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 876-0222
www.chevysminnesota.com
Date: May 2 through 5, 2015 all day until 2 p.m.
Feel like you're in Mexico at this corner of Minnesota for Cinco De Mayo. At Chevy's, hard partying is encouraged and an atmosphere of festivity cannot be missed. The party begins on Saturday and runs throughout the weekend to Tuesday. During this time, drink specials will be served alongside traditional Mexican food and accompanied by live music and a DJ. Win prizes and sing karaoke all weekend for this year's Cinco celebration. The partying may cause you to call off work that week but it most definitely will be worth it.
Related: Best Margaritas In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.