Best Cinco de Mayo Events in Los Angeles
For many, Cinco de Mayo is a day to grab a margarita with friends. But, The 5th day in May actually is a day to celebrate and commemorate the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, the United States celebrates the Mexican culture and heritage with parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals. Below are the top Cinco de Mayo events in LA.
Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
Cinco de Mayo at Olvera Street
845 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA. 90012
www.elpueblo.lacity.org
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles kicks off with a traditional celebration with mariachis, piñatas, folklorico dancers and much more. The 84th Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival at Olvera Street starts at 12pm to 8pm on Saturday May 3rd and continues until 10pm on Sunday, May 4th. Free music from artists such as Rogelio Martinez, Banda Costena, Las Voces Del Rancho, Banda Maguey, Sonora Santanera, Los Mismos, Jose Pantoja and many more will be on site for the festival. On another stage, enjoy mix DJ's with pop, dance and urban music. Cafes, restaurants, and food trucks will also be on site. The event begins at 12pm on Saturday.
Saturday, April 27th, 2014
25th Annual Fiesta Broadway Cinco de Mayo Street Fair
Downtown Los Angeles
(310) 914-0015
www.fiestabroadway.la
The weekend before Cinco de Mayo, downtown Los Angeles will be overtaken with an expected half a million people to celebrate the event. With a mile of LA city streets closed for this free family event, it is considered the largest Cinco De Mayo celebration in the world. This massive street fair and block party takes up 12 square blocks of downtown LA along Broadway from Temple to 5th Street and will feature live music and great food. Music acts will perform on two different stages located on either ends of the festival on Broadway, so it may make sense to look at the schedule and stake out a spot. Musical acts include VOZ de MANDO, A.B. Quintanilla, Bomboneras, Grupo Adiccion and many more. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend. The event is from 11am to 6pm.
Sunday, May 4th, 2014
Grande Cinco De Mayo Block Party in West Hollywood
Tortilla Republic
616 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-9888
www.tortillarepublic.com
The City of West Hollywood along with restaurant Tortilla Republic are co-sponsoring the Grande Cinco De Mayo Block Party the day before Cinco De Mayo on May 4th from 2-10pm for a grand outdoor celebration featuring food and live entertainment to celebrate Mexico's great heritage and interesting culture.
Sunday, May 4th, 2014
Single de Mayo
Private Residence in Hancock Park
www.singledemayo.com
Single women have been shouting "Ole!" at this annual charity event since 1999. This event is a daytime dance club, part carnival and part singles mixer. And, with a bounce house, skeeball, twister, giant jenga, carnival games, cotton candy, DJ's and more, how could you resist? Join hundreds of eligible and attractive women at a private residence in Hancock Park for fun, food, drinks, dancing and more. All proceeds benefit JQ International, a LA based LGBT organization which conducts safe school training and provides emergency shelter and support to homeless LGBT youth in LA. The event is from 2pm to 7pm and you can buy tickets here.
Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
43rd Annual Corona Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta
Corner of Sixth & Merill Streets
www.coronacincodemayo.net
Corona's answer to Cinco de Mayo is a parade down Sixth Street which begins at 10am. The parade features Mexican dancers, marching bands, local youth groups and a contingent of colorful vehicles, including antique cars and low-riders. The highlight of the procession will be the appearance of the young women who vying for a scholarship and the title of Queen of the Parade (a tradition with roots that go back to 1924). The Queen will be crowned in Corona City Park, at the fiesta immediately following the parade. Entertainment will be provided by mariachis, Folklorico dancers, salsa and rock bands and more. There will also be a kids' fun zone with bounce houses, ponies and game booths.
Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
3rd Annual Los Lobos Cinco de Mayo Festival
Greek Theatre
2700 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-5857
www.greektheatrela.net
On Saturday, May 3rd, The Greek Theatre presents the 3rd Annual Los Lobos Cinco de Mayo Festival featuring hometown favorites, Los Lobos with special guests Ozomatli, Mariachi El Bronx and many more. Tickets for this full day of music and celebration range from about $25 to around $69 depending on seat selection.
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