Best Cinco De Mayo 2016 Celebrations Near DFW
In the Battle of Puebla, the Mexican army defeated French forces on May 5, 1862. For us stateside, the holiday has long been regarded as an opportunity to take in some Mexican culture. Whether you're looking for a patio party or an immersive cultural experience, we've found fabulous fiestas for revelers of every age. It bears mentioning that while this isn't exactly a "dress up" holiday, so please remember to be respectful of the culture and the people by foregoing insensitive costumes.
Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico
4422 Live Oak St.
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 828-0181
www.anmbf.orgThe Ballet Folklorico presents dances in costumes that reflect traditional Mexican culture. Part of the dancers' wardrobe hails from Puebla, where the Cinco de Mayo battle was won. The Anita N. Martinez community center was founded in 1975 to foster cultural pride in the City of Dallas' Mexican citizens, and in 1990 the first Ballet Folklorico performance was held with dancers trained in Mexico. This year, the ANMBF celebrates the holiday with a full day of Cinco de Mayo performances at the Winspear Opera House. Showtimes are 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
4422 Live Oak St.
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 828-0181
www.anmbf.orgThe Ballet Folklorico presents dances in costumes that reflect traditional Mexican culture. Part of the dancers' wardrobe hails from Puebla, where the Cinco de Mayo battle was won. The Anita N. Martinez community center was founded in 1975 to foster cultural pride in the City of Dallas' Mexican citizens, and in 1990 the first Ballet Folklorico performance was held with dancers trained in Mexico. This year, the ANMBF celebrates the holiday with a full day of Cinco de Mayo performances at the Winspear Opera House. Showtimes are 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Oak Cliff Cinco De Mayo Celebration
223 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75208
(469) 657-4090
www.oakcliffarts.orgFor 29 years, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo celebration has been one of the biggest events of its kind in town. It's free, open to the public, and runs until 4 p.m. The parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center with a launch ceremony and DJ. There are tailgating stops at the 300, 400, 500, 800, and 900 blocks of Jefferson. The car show and festival begin at 10 a.m. featuring custom low riders, motorcycles, bikes, cars and trucks. There will also be plenty of food and drinks, with local vendors and exhibitions. There is also a Beer Garden on the 500 block, and DJs on every block.
223 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75208
(469) 657-4090
www.oakcliffarts.orgFor 29 years, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo celebration has been one of the biggest events of its kind in town. It's free, open to the public, and runs until 4 p.m. The parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center with a launch ceremony and DJ. There are tailgating stops at the 300, 400, 500, 800, and 900 blocks of Jefferson. The car show and festival begin at 10 a.m. featuring custom low riders, motorcycles, bikes, cars and trucks. There will also be plenty of food and drinks, with local vendors and exhibitions. There is also a Beer Garden on the 500 block, and DJs on every block.
Metalachi Heavy Metal Mariachi
Gas Monkey Live
10261 Technology Blvd. E.
Dallas, TX 75220
(214) 350-1904
www.metalachi.comThe "brothers Espinoza" offer a hilarious backstory to their origins as a Mexican heavy metal band. Their tale includes being smuggled to the Rio Grande in saddlebags on a burro, crossing the border and discovering a Black Sabbath "Paranoid" album sleeve. Whatever parts of their story are fantasy, the fact remains that Metalachi channels black metal influence and blends it with their Mexican roots. Their live performance is quite the spectacle, and should not be missed.
Gas Monkey Live
10261 Technology Blvd. E.
Dallas, TX 75220
(214) 350-1904
www.metalachi.comThe "brothers Espinoza" offer a hilarious backstory to their origins as a Mexican heavy metal band. Their tale includes being smuggled to the Rio Grande in saddlebags on a burro, crossing the border and discovering a Black Sabbath "Paranoid" album sleeve. Whatever parts of their story are fantasy, the fact remains that Metalachi channels black metal influence and blends it with their Mexican roots. Their live performance is quite the spectacle, and should not be missed.
Mattito's
7778 Forest Lane
Dallas, TX 75230
(214) 377-9576www.mattitos.comMattito's knows Tex-Mex, and they also know Cinco de Mayo. This hometown restaurant chain has one of the biggest patio parties in town, stretching across all five locations. The fiesta will include a live salsa band and a mariachi band, as well as drink specials. There will be games and prizes, and rumor has it there may even be a mechanical bull to ride. On top of all the fun, you'll still enjoy Mattito's award-winning Tex-Mex cuisine. The revelry kicks off at 4 p.m.
7778 Forest Lane
Dallas, TX 75230
(214) 377-9576www.mattitos.comMattito's knows Tex-Mex, and they also know Cinco de Mayo. This hometown restaurant chain has one of the biggest patio parties in town, stretching across all five locations. The fiesta will include a live salsa band and a mariachi band, as well as drink specials. There will be games and prizes, and rumor has it there may even be a mechanical bull to ride. On top of all the fun, you'll still enjoy Mattito's award-winning Tex-Mex cuisine. The revelry kicks off at 4 p.m.
Casa Mama
1445 Los Rios Blvd., Suite 301
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 943-3900
www.casamamas.comThis humble, little neighborhood joint has successfully buzzed along for several years with devoted support from the East Plano community. A friendly staff of familiar faces, delicious food and yummy frozen margaritas keeps everyone coming back. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the team at Casa Mama will bring in a Mariachi band in the early evening, and offer happy hour pricing on margaritas. The festivities are laid-back and family-friendly so guests won't feel overwhelmed by crowds and loud music.
1445 Los Rios Blvd., Suite 301
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 943-3900
www.casamamas.comThis humble, little neighborhood joint has successfully buzzed along for several years with devoted support from the East Plano community. A friendly staff of familiar faces, delicious food and yummy frozen margaritas keeps everyone coming back. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the team at Casa Mama will bring in a Mariachi band in the early evening, and offer happy hour pricing on margaritas. The festivities are laid-back and family-friendly so guests won't feel overwhelmed by crowds and loud music.
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Quia Querisma is designer-shoe wearing digital diva, party-rocking jet setter, and freelance writer. Her work has been published by the Huffington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Observer, and Examiner.com. She prefers Facebook over Twitter, and doesn't understand the point of Snapchat.
