Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated each year since 1863 to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French troops at the Battle of Puebla. This victory established a sense of patriotism and unity among the Mexican people, and as many thousands of Mexican gold miners celebrated it effectively established May 5th as an important holiday in California’s history.
Since Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, we’ve compiled a quick list of some festive Cinco de Mayo events throughout Orange County in order to help you celebrate Mexican culture and indulge in some traditional food and fun!
Fullerton- Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with this free, family-friendly event at the Fullerton Market! The Fullerton Market is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and will be held each Thursday from April 7th through October 27th between 4 and 8:30pm. The Market features local food vendors, live music and entertainment, a farmer’s market with fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, and handcrafted artisan goods.
This Thursday, parents can enjoy an outdoor beer and wine garden while the kids have fun with Mexican crafts and activities at the Kids’ Korner, all while enjoying festive performers and live music by “La Sirena y Orquesta Mar de Ashe”.
Irvine- The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Pretend City Children’s Museum will be a jalapeno-hopping good time for kids and their parents! Pretend City provides an interactive and educational environment for children, and this Thursday will be celebrating Mexican culture with some festive themed activities.
Kids can learn about the history of piñatas while getting to create their own artful interpretation, engage in an interactive themed story time, and participate in the Jalapeno Hop dance party! Guests will also enjoy the music of Mama Lisa’s World and make a Mexican Dancing Doll to dance with to the music!There are no reservations required, and the price is included with museum admission.
Santa Ana- Bowers Museum, located at 2002 N. Main Street in downtown Santa Ana, hosts a monthly Thirsty Thursday event every first Thursday of the month. This month’s festivities happen to fall on Cinco De Mayo, and the Bowers is going all out to celebrate!
This Thursday enjoy happy hour drinks, live Mayan and Mexican music, a Diego Rivera inspired art workshop, and music and dancing in the courtyard! Included in the admission price of this event also includes a glass of champagne, and ticket prices vary from $10 for students and Santa Ana residents to $20-30 for museum members or general public. This event will be held at Bowers Museum from 5-11pm, and is for guests at least 18 or over.
Costa Mesa– For those who are interested in attending a powerful cultural tribute to Mexico, The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa will be hosting an incredible Cinco de Mayo event that is sure to make an impression!
Grammy nominated Mariachi Sol de Mexico will be honoring the Mexican holiday with traditional and contemporary music, as well as original songs by the 13 member group. Before Mariachi Sol de Mexico takes the stage, concert goers can enjoy free activities starting around 6:30, set to include dancers, Jose Hernandez Academy students performing in the Arts plaza, and a performance by folk band Conjunto Tenocelomeh. Tickets range from $29-$89, and the show starts at 8:00 pm.
