While it may have its origins in Mexico, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo has been wholeheartedly embraced by the US. Dating all the way back to 1862, May 5 has now become a time for many Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage, as well as all that good stuff that hails from south of the border – like Mexican food, mariachi bands, and margaritas.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
The holiday of Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle that took place in Puebla, Mexico, in 1862, in which 4,000 Mexican soldiers triumphed over more than 8,000 French fighters (although it’s not to be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which takes place on September 16). In Mexico, the majority of the celebrations take place in Puebla itself, with revelers taking to the streets for all-day parties with live music and great food. In the US, the anniversary has evolved into a cultural celebration, featuring colorful parades, street fairs, and plenty of delicious Mexican cuisine.
Top cities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the US
Plenty of cities across the US host vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebrations, from San Antonio to San Diego, and Minneapolis to Miami. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly vibes or late-night festivities, these spots have you covered. Read on for the 10 best cities in the US to get your fiesta on.
1. Los Angeles, CA: The world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 75°F
- Must-see attraction: If you want to escape the large crowds on Broadway, head to Olvera Street, which is transformed into a historic Mexican marketplace.
Some say that Cinco de Mayo celebrations actually originated in California, making it one of the few things to do there. So, it’s hardly surprising that Los Angeles is one of the best places to mark the occasion. LA’s Fiesta Broadway is known for being the largest celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the world, held along Broadway in the city’s Downtown area. There, you’ll find live music, great Mexican food, and carnival rides, making it perfect for the whole family.
If you land at the Los Angeles International Airport, SIXT will be there to welcome you to our LAX branch. And if you are already in the city, one of our SIXT locations there will be ready to help you find the perfect rental car for you.
2. San Antonio, TX: Best Cinco de Mayo for authentic celebrations
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 84°F
- Must-see attraction: Feast on tacos and empanadas at La Fonda on Main, which is famous for being the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio.
Home to one of the highest populations of Mexican Americans in the US, these Texan Cinco de Mayo celebrations are not to be missed. Start off at the Historic Market Square Downtown, where you can shop for Mexican souvenirs, listen to live mariachi music, and watch a traditional folkloric dance performance. Then, head to Fiesta at Trader’s Village just outside the city center, where you’ll find carnival rides and authentic Mexican rodeo events. Get used to the Texan driving style with our driving tips for Texas. Make sure you book your San Antonio SIXT rental car before you arrive, so you can start the celebrations as soon as you get there.
3. Denver, CO: Best Cinco de Mayo for two days of fun and fiestas
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 70°F
- Must-see attraction: Harness your competitive spirit at the famous chihuahua race or the taco-eating competition.
Keep the Cinco de Mayo parties going in Denver, which hosts not one, but two days of celebrations each year. Over 400,000 people attend the festivities, which have a strong focus on Mexican culture. Civic Center Park is home to two stages for live music, showcasing everything from mariachi and salsa to Spanish rock and Latin jazz. There are stalls selling Mexican folk art and hand-crafted products as well as a cook-off competition for green chili, the popular local Denver dish.
With multiple locations in Denver, SIXT is the ideal place to start your journey.
4. Chicago, IL: Best Cinco de Mayo for family-friendly fun
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 70°F
- Must-see attraction: Sign up for the ‘Cinco de Miler’, a scenic five-mile run around Montrose Harbor and the lakeside trail along Lake Michigan.
Chicago may be best known for its annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations, but it also hosts a pretty epic Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Centered around the Little Village neighborhood – which has been called “the Mexico of the Midwest” – along with nearby Pilsner, there’s a lively parade that ends in Douglas Park. There, you’ll find cultural displays, food stalls, and plenty of fun games and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Take advantage of our airport and downtown SIXT locations in Chicago to find your ideal rental car.
5. San Diego, CA: Best Cinco de Mayo for city-wide celebrations
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 70°F
- Must-see attraction: The world-famous Balboa Park holds its own spectacular celebrations, complete with Mexican arts and crafts and a wide range of music and dance shows.
Located just along the Mexican border, San Diego truly comes alive for its Cinco de Mayo festivities. The whole city gets into the mood with the main celebrations taking place in the Old Town neighborhood, which is home to traditional Mexican food, dancing, and music. Come nightfall, it’s time to head to the charming Gaslamp Quarter, where many of the lively bars and restaurants put on Cinco de Mayo specials.
Once you start planning your visit, check our App and website, to find your perfect rental car in one of SIXT San Diego locations.
6. Albuquerque, NM: Best Cinco de Mayo for real Mexican culture
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 79°F
- Must-see attraction: Looking for something to do the day after Cinco de Mayo? Albuquerque hosts a fun bar crawl on May 6, during which you’ll get to experience all of the city’s best bars.
Mexican culture is at the heart of Albuquerque’s annual Cinco de Mayo festival. Brush up on the history of Mexican heritage in the Southwest at the National Hispanic Cultural Center or the South Broadway Cultural Center. Both are also great spots to enjoy some traditional dance performances, live music, and entertainment. Afterward, head to the Old Town area, where you can try out a range of holiday specials at the numerous restaurants and bars.
If you are flying in, then our SIXT branch in Albuquerque Airport is there to hand you the keys to your rental car.
7. Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN: Best Cinco de Mayo for double the fun in the Midwest
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 70°F
- Must-see attraction: There’s something for everyone here, with a special kids’ zone for children and a wellness village to take a load off and relax.
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul might not be the first place you think of for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. But considering how far away they are from Mexico, they actually have a strong connection to Latinx culture thanks to their thriving Latino communities. The main festivities take place in the District del Sol neighborhood in West St. Paul, where you’ll feel like you’re back in Puebla with a parade that features a mock battle reenactment.
Download the SIXT App, or use our website, book a rental car, and pick it up from the SIXT branch at Minneapolis International Airport.
8. Phoenix, AZ: Best Cinco de Mayo for soaking up some desert vibes
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 85°F
- Must-see attraction: This a great place to soak up the real cultural meaning of Cinco de Mayo and give back to the community, as well as watch plenty of traditional folkloric dance performances.
With a large Mexican-American population, there are plenty of Cinco de Mayo celebrations that take place across Arizona, but the biggest of them all can be found in Phoenix. Their Downtown Fiesta is centered around City Hall, where you can sample incredible Mexican street food and listen to live music. It’s worth noting that guests have to pay an entrance fee to the festival but it’s for a good cause, as the money goes towards funding scholarships for local Latinx students.
Looking for a rental car to get around the city during Cinco de Mayo? Just stop by the SIXT branch at Phoenix Airport and find what you need.
9. Miami, FL: Best Cinco de Mayo for enjoying some beachside fun
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 84°F
- Must-see attraction: Thanks to Miami’s lively nightlife scene, this is one Cinco de Mayo that’s best enjoyed by the grown-ups, so you can make the most of the many club crawls and pool parties on offer.
Though Miami might be best known for its Cuban culture, it also hosts lively Cinco de Mayo celebrations every year – a nod to the fact that the majority of the population of this city is born overseas. There’s always a party atmosphere in South Beach and this is doubly true on May 5, when many of the local bars and restaurants host Cinco de Mayo specials. Expect plenty of authentic Mexican cuisine, live mariachi performances, and ice-cold margaritas.
Getting around Miami is going to be much easier with your own car. Visit one of SIXT’s locations in Miami and rent your perfect vehicle.
10. Portland, OR: Best Cinco de Mayo for creative cultural mash-ups
- Average temperature around Cinco de Mayo: Around 65°F
- Must-see attraction: Portland is known for its creative scene, so don’t miss the chance to catch both local artists and those who have traveled all the way from Jalisco to perform mariachi and folkloric dances.
It was back in 1983 that Portland was paired with its sister city of Guadalajara, Mexico, and ever since they’ve organized an annual Cinco de Mayo festival. The festivities take place at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where thousands flock to experience some real tapatío culture (the Spanish name for all things from Guadalajara). There are also spots to take part in tequila tastings and a kids’ area where they can enjoy Mexican crafts and carnival rides.
Experience the city on your own terms by renting a car from a SIXT branch in Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions about the celebration of Cinco de Mayo
Where is Cinco de Mayo most celebrated in the US?
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in a variety of different cities across the US and in numerous states, from California to Florida.
Where is the best Cinco de Mayo celebration?
There are loads of great Cinco de Mayo celebrations that take place in the US, each of which has its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for authentic Mexican culture, family-friendly fun, or lively festivities, there’s something to suit everyone.
Where is the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration?
The biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the US takes place in Los Angeles, California – their Fiesta Broadway is known for being the largest Cinco de Mayo event in the world.
