Cinco de Mayo

Regardless of how well you fared in tenth grade Spanish class, you probably can translate “Cinco de Mayo”, without enlisting the help of sage source, Babelfish. If nothing else, you know it has something to do with our neighbors down south and that it’s typically celebrated by consuming inordinate amounts of tequila, tacos and those oh-so-addicting chips and salsa. But do you know why we’re so eager to dust off our sombreros and start double-fisting Coronas and Cuervos? No? Well, it just so happens that battling the blender for the most perfectly mixed margarita presents an ideal opportunity to brush up on history. As well as fondly recalling the first time this information crossed your path – just after learning, ‘Dónde está el baño?’ and just before dropping Professor Perez’s sixth period Español for Keyboarding. 

Some History of Origin
Cinco de Mayo is commonly mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, which actually takes place on September 16th; a date that in 1821 marked Mexico’s liberation from Spain’s control, and thus ignited three subsequent decades of political unrest with the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and Mexican Civil War of 1858. The tumultuous half-century left the country in economic ruin and with outstanding debts to Spain, England and France. The latter was most determined to seek restitution and when Mexico declared it was unable to repay any loans, France responded by setting to expand its empire along Mexican soil. Napoleon III was appointed as commander and under his rule French troops invaded Mexico along the Golf coast. Mexico City was the goal destination; however, France met strong resistance when crossing the small town of Puebla. There, General Ignacio Zaragoza led 4,500 poorly equipped Mestizo and Zapotec Indians to defeat the well outfitted French army of 6,500. It was a surprising victory that established great patriotism and unity among the Mexican people.

What is it today?
Today, Cinco de Mayo is observed extensively throughout North America. In Mexico, it is predominantly celebrated in the town of Puebla, with a day-long reenactment of the famous battle and festivals of food, drink and dance. Similar practices take place in the United States, but on a much larger scale. The commemoration first made its way across the border by infiltrating areas with high Mexican populations. Since its inception by a group of California State University students in 1967, the Cinco de Mayo holiday has become increasingly popular and is currently more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico.

Seattle is no exception. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday and there is no doubt that for many Seattleites, the revelry will extend throughout the week. Below is a guide to just some of the festivities happening around town. And if you plan wisely, you may just finagle a valid excuse to down margaritas and gorge on guacamole for seven straight nights. ¡Olé! 

Downtown

Mama’s Mexican Kitchen
2234 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
206.728.6262
On Monday, May 5th, spend all your pesos during happy hour (4-6:30pm). Order endless rounds of drink specials and cheap munchies while people watching in the famous “Elvis Room.”

Mexico Cantina y Veracruz Cooking
Pacific Place Center – Level 4
600 Pine St
Seattle, WA 98101
206.405.3400
“Enjoy great Mexican food and margaritas with atmosphere and without the hype.” On Monday, May 5th, this restaurant will feature a live mariachi band for all ages.

Tacos Guaymas
1303 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
206.624.5062
On Monday, May 5th, Tacos Guaymas will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a block party and live music for those 21 and over. There will be discounted appetizers, $1.50 tacos, $4 Margaritas and $3 Mexican beers on draft. 

Fremont

Nectar
412 N 36th St
Seattle, WA 98103
206.632.2020
On Saturday, May 3, Picoso will be headlining Nectar’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. According to Darek Mazzone, host of 90.3 KEXP’s Wo-Pop program, “The urban Latin flavor in Seattle is championed by Picoso…[they] are not afraid to stretch beyond what is comfortably known as Latin or world music. The vibe is urban and very street, without losing the relationship to the ancestor sound.” Tickets are $8 and doors open at 9pm. This show is 21 and over and will be opened by DJ Tomas.

Greenlake/Greenwood

Tacos Guaymas
6808 E Greenlake Way N
Seattle, WA 98115
206.729.6563
See the above listing for the downtown location.

Gorditos Healthy Mexican Food
213 N 85th St
Seattle, WA 98103
206.706.9352
At the time of publication, this restaurant was not yet sure of any Cinco de Mayo specials. But, it does serve beer and its ad features a clear photo comparing the “actual size of burrito” to the “actual size of baby.”  

Lake City

Mr. Villa
8064 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206.517.5660
On Saturday, May 3, Mr. Villa will offer live music with no cover. There will be outside dining with a beer and margarita garden as well as a full bar, including 30 tequilas and sotol (a distilled spirit made from a plant that grows in the northern deserts of Mexico).  

Capitol Hill

Bimbo’s Cantina
1013 E. Pike St
Seattle, WA 98122
206.322-9950
Monday, May 5th marks an all-day happy hour that includes $.50 off drafts, $2.75 wells and $1 off nachos.

Crescent Lounge
1413 E. Olive Way
Seattle, WA 98122
206.720.8188
Margarita Mondays feature Cazadores Tequila at $2.50 for a single and $4 for a double. Drink specials start at 5pm.

Neighbor’s
1509 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
206.324.5358
On Friday, May 2nd, Neighbor’s will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a chance to win a vacation to Mexico. Get a stamped Corona card on May 2nd, collect two stamps and enter the card into the drawing. $2 per card will be donated to Friends of King County Animal Control. There will also be a Mr. and Miss Gay Cinco de Mayo 2008 pageant on Friday, May 9th.  

U-District

Memo’s Mexican Food
4743 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206.729.5071
This joint stays open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, after you close down one of the other listed bars you can swing by here to “sober up” over even more tacos and burritos.  

Sonrisa Modern Mex
2614 NE 46th St
Seattle, WA 98105
206.524.2242
On Monday, May 5th, happy hour will be an all-day extravaganza with specials on appetizers, beer and margaritas.