Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day (as most people suspect). May 5th actually commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French in 1862’s Battle of Puebla. Vibrant cultural celebrations of this holiday abound all over the world. With the date rapidly approaching, we thought you might like to think about heading to one of these big-city celebrations we’ve highlighted below!

Puebla, Mexico flights | hotels | cars

You’d think the (Mexican) hills would be alive with the sound of (celebratory) music, but in reality the Cinco de Mayo holiday is primarily a regional one in Mexico - recognized in the state of Puebla and virtually ignored throughout other parts of the country. Fortunately, Puebla (located 65 miles from Mexico City…

Denver, CO flights | hotels | cars

Each year, folks in the know head to the Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival in the city’s Civic Center Park. Also claiming to be one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the nation, visitors and natives alike spend this celebratory weekend immersed in Mexican culture, with authentic Mexican foods, handmade arts and crafts…

Portland, OR flights | hotels | cars

The title of largest Cinco de Mayo festival in North America is claimed by this Pacific Northwest city. This year marks their 24th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and highlights a variety of authentic culinary and entertainment options, including Guadalajara’s Ballet Folklorico. This year’s fiesta also features the new Guadalajara Pavilion…

Chicago, IL flights | hotels | cars

Ferris Bueller’s parade had nothing on the Cinco de Mayo festivities in Chi-town! More than 200,000 residents and visitors alike celebrate all weekend long with an array of Mexican food, music and carnival rides. While this is a party first and foremost, it is also one of the most family friendly celebrations we’ve seen…

Full Version

Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day (as most people suspect). May 5th actually commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French in 1862’s Battle of Puebla. Vibrant cultural celebrations of this holiday abound all over the world. With the date rapidly approaching, we thought you might like to think about heading to one of these big-city celebrations we’ve highlighted below!

Puebla, Mexico flights | hotels | cars

You’d think the (Mexican) hills would be alive with the sound of (celebratory) music, but in reality the Cinco de Mayo holiday is primarily a regional one in Mexico - recognized in the state of Puebla and virtually ignored throughout other parts of the country. Fortunately, Puebla (located 65 miles from Mexico City in a valley dominated by mountains and volcanoes) puts on a celebration to make up for the rest of the country. Don’t let the location scare you off, however – the region is a beautiful one, natives are warm and welcoming to visitors, and the Puebla Cinco de Mayo celebration is THE celebration, combining the best in regional traditional foods, music and dancing to rightfully commemorate its 1862 victory.

Denver, CO flights | hotels | cars

Each year, folks in the know head to the Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival in the city’s Civic Center Park. Also claiming to be one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the nation, visitors and natives alike spend this celebratory weekend immersed in Mexican culture, with authentic Mexican foods, handmade arts and crafts, and beautifully and colorfully costumed Aztec dancers. For additional entertainment value, the festival also offers strolling Mariachi bands and multiple stages, each of which featuring traditional and contemporary Latino entertainment and a variety of Mexican culinary delights!

Portland, OR flights | hotels | cars

The title of largest Cinco de Mayo festival in North America is claimed by this Pacific Northwest city. This year marks their 24th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and highlights a variety of authentic culinary and entertainment options, including Guadalajara’s Ballet Folklorico. This year’s fiesta also features the new Guadalajara Pavilion, showcasing artisans and other successful businesses from the Mexican city, who promise to provide a unique environment and “exceptional products” (read: great shopping) for fiesta goers.

Chicago, IL flights | hotels | cars

Ferris Bueller’s parade had nothing on the Cinco de Mayo festivities in Chi-town! More than 200,000 residents and visitors alike celebrate all weekend long with an array of Mexican food, music and carnival rides. While this is a party first and foremost, it is also one of the most family friendly celebrations we’ve seen, with Sunday serving as the big “family day,” complete with an exuberant Cinco de Mayo parade led by Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe San Juan Diego and a soccer tournament championship.

Did You Know?

Kayak does more than send you awesome emails and provide you the best options for flights… try our Hotel Search to find the perfect place to stay on your next trip.

Hasta luego!

Steve and Paul, Kayak co-founders

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 2:42 pm and is filed under Newsletters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.