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Best 2017 Cinco De Mayo Celebrations In Orange County

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Coming on the heels of Star Wars Day ("May the 4th Be With You"), Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory over French troops at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Over time, it evolved into an all-inclusive party that can extend into the weekend. Last year's celebrations in Orange County may see hard to top, but the 2016 parties seem bigger and better than before. This year in the OC, the celebrations take place before, during and after May 5 with authentic Mexican music and food. Some events even let you reconnect with great bits of California history.

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12th Annual Silverado Chili Cook-Off & Cinco de Mayo Festival
Silverado Canyon Fairgrounds & Community Center
27641 Silverado Canyon Road
Orange, CA 92676
(714) 649-2820
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2017

The residents of Silverado show that Cinco de Mayo can and will extend into the weekend. Come to this Orange County location for Mexican folk activities, a great chili competition, family activities and plenty of vendors. Artists and vendors, non profit organizations and more will also be on site! Bring the entire family to the Santa Ana mountains to enjoy the view at this annual celebration.

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Cinco de Mayo Fiesta In San Clemente
Max Berg Plaza Park
1100 Calle Puente
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 361-8264
www.san-clemente.org
Date: May 6, 2017 from 2pm to 6pm

The city of San Clemente will be holding their annual Cinco de Mayo festival on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Now in its 27th year, this event features Mariachi bands, salsa dancers and lots of Mexican cuisine. San Clemente also has plenty of activities for children, including face painting and game booths. It's the perfect celebration for Cinco De Mayo.

Heritage Hill Historical Park Rancho Days Fiesta!
(credit: Jeni C./Yelp)

Rancho Days Fiesta
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 923-2230
www.ocparks.com/historic/heritage
Date: May 6, 2017 from 11am to 3pm

With four historical buildings dating back to the age of Mexican ranchos, the Heritage Hill Historical Park is the perfect setting to launch a Cinco de Mayo weekend celebration. The past comes alive with Native American and Folklorico dancing, early California ranching hands on activities and exhibitors and more. For some more fun, take your turn breaking the piñata, and enjoy Rancho era music. There will also be crafts for children, Charro horse riding and roping demonstrations.

Related: Best Historic Exhibits In OC

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18th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival In Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 647-5400
www.santa-ana.org
Dates: May 6 & 7, 2017

The Cinco de Mayo Festival In Santa Ana party is so big it has to cover two days. On May 6 and 7, 2017, the festival attracts over 150,000 enthusiastic guests who come for the the Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Santa Ana to take part in plenty of food and fun. There are plenty of carnival games, great talent, tasty food and fun to be had.

Related:  Best Bars For Cinco De Mayo In Orange County

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Mission San Juan Capistrano Battle Of The Mariachis
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
www.missionsjc.com
Date: May 13, 2017 from 11am to 4pm

The 13th Annual Battle of Mariachis Festival takes place on Saturday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come over to the Mission San Juan Capistrano courtyard and witness some of the best musicians competing for the top honors. The festival features live musical performances by mariachi groups from across the Southern California area competing for prizes. Also, the traditional ringing of the Mission bells will be held, in addition to a special performance of the National Anthem, performances by Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano, marionette shows by Franklin Haynes Marionettes and gourmet Mexican food vendors. Make sure not to miss this incredible and inspiring experience!

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