Happy Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate with mariachi, lowriders and other events in metro Phoenix
Happy Cinco de Mayo #HappyCincodeMayo
It’s almost Cinco de Mayo, and after more than a year of the pandemic, some institutions are ready to once again welcome the holiday that many Mexican Americans see as an opportunity to celebrate their culture.
Contrary to some people’s beliefs, Cinco de Mayo isn’t an independence day — rather, it’s a celebration of Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862, despite being outnumbered.
Though the 2020 Cinco de Mayo Downtown Phoenix Festival was canceled due to COVID-19, events are slowly picking back up this year as the holiday approaches.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
The festival’s website has some information about an event this year, but no acts appear to have been confirmed. We will update this article when we have more information about the 2021 Cinco de Mayo Downtown Phoenix Festival.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its mask guidance for fully vaccinated people. They should still wear masks in crowded settings but can forgo them in small outdoor gatherings and while exercising outdoors. Phoenix, however, still has a mask mandate in place. It requires masks to be worn in public places where distancing is not possible.
Here are ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2021 in Phoenix.
Ballet Folklórico Itzamatul Del Valle Del Sol performance
This folklórico dance group, founded in 2013, will give a free performance at the Fray Garces Colombian Hall in Glendale this weekend.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1. 8066 N. 49th Ave., Glendale. Free. 602-460-1534, https://www.facebook.com/events/1036783466725216.
Cinco de Mayo history: Behind the holiday Arizonans love to toast
Lowrider Sunday for Cinco de Mayo in South Phoenix
Screen printing and embroidery shop Old School City hosts a lowrider event on the first Sunday of every month. For May, the free street fair and car show will be Cinco de Mayo-themed, with live music, food and vendors.
Details: 5 p.m. Sunday, May 2. 6062 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-276-6977, https://www.facebook.com/events/885348155651540.
May arts events: 11 events in metro Phoenix including acrobats, free shows, sci-fi themed art
Cinco de Mayo at Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Enchanted Island at Encanto Park will have free live entertainment that includes local bands and ballet folklórico performances. The amusement park also promises a taco stand and aguas frescas.
Kids can have a swing at a piñata and take their turns on rides such as a carousel, bumper boats and train. Single rides are $5 each; an all-day unlimited ride wristband costs $19 plus tax — for adults and children — for the event.
Details: Noon-8 p.m. Sunday, May 2. 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. Free admission. 602-254-1200, https://www.enchantedisland.com.
Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández
Grammy-nominated band Mariachi Sol de México — with founder José Hernández — will perform at The Madison Center for the Arts on the evening of Cinco de Mayo.
Masks are mandatory in the theater, and capacity is limited to 50% to ensure social distancing.
Details: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. From $55 plus fees. 602-664-7777, https://www.themadison.org.
Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Happy Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate with mariachi, lowriders and other events in metro Phoenix