6 Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Let’s put winter behind us for Cinco de Mayo – the annual day Mexicans around the world dedicate to celebrating their heritage and ancestry.

[Ed. note: This article is from 2013.]

Cinco de Mayo’s history can be traced back to May 5, 1862 when the outnumbered Mexican army heroically defeated the French Army in the Battle of Puebla. It’s a Cinco de Mayo faux pas to confuse it with Mexico’s Independence Day, which falls in mid-September.

Here’s a list of the best places in Calgary to enjoy Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Anejo

$5 margaritas, $5 cervezas and $5 cazadores – need we say more? Well, yes! Take a gander at Anejo’s extensive tequila list and transport yourself to a Mexican paradise while you enjoy a tasting flight. Don’t forget to eat though. Try the tableside made guacamole or share some anjitos (snacks) with friends. (2, 2116 4 St. S.W., 587-353-2656, anejo.ca, @anejoyyc)

Julio’s Barrio

So, you want a beer and a margarita? Combine the two with Julio’s Barrio’s original bulldog (also known as a beer-garita). This two-level Kensington staple will also have $4.50 Coronas on special all day and a Mariachi band brightening the atmosphere. Dos cerveza, por favor! (1110 Memorial Dr. N.W., 403-203-3066, juliosbarrio.com/calgary, @julioscalgary)

Los Chilitos

Enjoy the (cross your fingers) sunny day with friends on Los Chilitos’ 17th Avenue patio. Share a bucket of Dos Equis for $15. Complete the day with “street-style” tacos and homemade salsa. (1309 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-5528, loschilitos.ca)

Salt & Pepper

Salt & Pepper’s two locations are combining their daily specials into one day for this year’s Cinco de Mayo. This means you get to experience Margarita Mondays and All You Can Eat Taco Tuesdays at the same time. Now that’s just fantastic. (Bowness location: 6515 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-247-4402; Inglewood: 1413 9 Ave. S.E., 403 269 1441, saltnpepper.ca)

Tu Tierra

Located in the southeast, Tu Tierra is known for some of the best Mexican food in the city. This Cinco de Mayo it’ll have tamales and pozoles on special for $14.50 each. Staff promise that they’ll be “ahhhh-mazing”. (8316 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 403-252-5566, mitierra.ca)

Xocolat

Calgary’s newest Mexican restaurant is going all out for its first Cinco de Mayo party. Xocolat’s “White Party” on May 4 will see a few tables moved out of the restaurant to make room for food and beer stations and a photo booth. A DJ and platters of tequila will help you dance the night away. Tickets are $50 and include all food and one domestic drink. Get your tickets online or at the restaurant. (816 11 Ave. S.W., 403-264-6555, xocolat.ca, @Xocolatyyc)

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