SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Happy Cinco de Mayo, San Diego!
Throughout San Diego, residents will be celebrating with a variety of events on Friday, with some even continuing through the weekend.
Need a history lesson for why you're celebrating today? The May 5 holiday marks the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. About 6,000 French forces battled a group of roughly 2,000 men in the small town of Puebla de Los Angeles.
By the end of the battle, the French army retreated, having lost 500 men, while the Mexican forces had lost about 100. While the victory was not the most strategic, it's herald as a great symbolic victory in both Mexico and the United States, where the holiday also celebrates Mexican heritage and culture.
With that said, here's a look at some celebrations around San Diego:
Fiesta Cinco de Mayo in Old Town
Perhaps San Diego's biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration, Fiesta Cinco de Mayo packs three days of fun into Old Town. Friday kicks off with happy hour specials lasting well into the night, while Saturday and Sunday pick up with live music, dancing, wrestling, and historic activities. More information.
Cinco de Mayo concert in Balboa Park
The Kiwanis Club of San Diego will host a free concert to benefit the San Diego State University of Music and Dance. More information.
Cinco de Mayo Run/Walk at Navy Medical Center
Lace up your running shoes and get some miles in before you celebrate the holiday at the dinner table. The NMCSD Cinco de Mayo 5K is free and open to the public and coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. More information.
Friday Night Arte de Mayo at Liberty Station
Check out locally made arts and crafts, as well as live music and dance performances featuring The Malashock Dance School. Visitors can kick off their stroll around the station at 5 p.m. More information.
Cinco de Mayo at The Lot at Liberty Station
About 200 to 300 people will descend upon The Lot for Cinco de Mayo festivities (including a taco buffet!) and live mariachi music. More information.
Beer train trolley tour in San Diego
San Diego Beer, Wine, and Spirits tours will host visits to four breweries in downtown San Diego in a safe, convenient trolley tour. You can even get off at Old Town and continue the celebration. More information.
Cinco de Mayo Party Cruise on Mission Bay
The William D. Evans sternwheeler will journey through Mission Bay with a live DJ, drink specials, and views of the bay. If you miss the voyages' initial sailing, there are two more opportunities to hop aboard later Friday night. More information.
San Diego's top "Cinco de Mayo" restaurants
Puesto's taco and Curadero's Mexican cuisine are not to be missed this Cinco de Mayo, and they have the backing of USA Today. The publication has named the two among it's top 40 authentic Mexican restaurants in America.
Cinco de Mayo con Orgullo (with Pride) Coalition at Officer Jeremy Henwood Park Performance Annex
Celebrate Mexican heritage and pride at the 16th Cinco de Mayo con Orgullo event. The event is ticketed as alcohol- and tobacco-free as a direct challenge to marketing trends linking the holiday with alcohol consumption. The family-friendly event will feature live music and dancing and activities for kids. More information.
Cinco de Mayo senior dance fiesta in La Jolla
The annual Cinco de Mayo senior dance fiesta (for ages 55 or older) kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at the La Jolla Rec Center. Dancers will also get to enjoy dinner, drinks, desserts, and live entertainment by the A-Team. More information.
Annual Cinco de Mayo trail run (May 6) at Lake Poway
Lake Poway will host a 5K, 10K, and kids run event on Saturday through the lake's trail system. Live entertainment will be on hand post race and the top three finishers in each age group will receive a medal. More information.
Mark Saunders is a KGTV digital producer. Follow him on Twitter at @10NewsSaunders.
