Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Friday, May 5 in 2023, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. You can learn more about the history of the holiday here.
If you're looking for a great meal to celebrate Cinco, we've got you covered. Our friend and Gwinnetian, Jose Martinez Ramirez, created a list of some of the county's most authentic Mexican restaurants. His suggestions include:
- La Mixteca Tamale House (Suwanee)
- Agavero Cantina (Lilburn)
- La Michoacana Loca (Lilburn)
- Taqueria El Dorado (Duluth)
- Talpa Supermercados (Lilburn)
- Taqueria Tsunami (Peachtree Corners)
- Taqueria Oaxaquena De La Guelaguetza (Norcross)
- La Social Taqueria Fonda (Lawrenceville)
- Dulces Sueno Cakes (Norcross)
See the full post and Jose's suggestions of what to order here.
Want to celebrate at home? Order a Street Taco Kit from Strange Taco Bar, the "original unauthentic taqueria." The kit includes everything you need to build the perfect street tacos: fresh pico, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and flour tortillas. Serves 8-10 people.
Highlighting Local Mexican Businesses
Through our local love series, we make an effort to promote local minority-owned businesses. Be sure to check out the two features below and plan a visit to each place ASAP. You'll thank us later.
Local Love: Beto's Tacos
Nicknamed "Beto" by his parents, Roberto has been serving tacos to hungry Gwinnettians since 2019.
Local Love: Plaza Las Americas
Located in Lilburn, this building is an adaptive re-use of a vacant Lowe's storefront turned indoor/outdoor market.
Beto's Tacos
As far as events go, you can find Cinco celebrations all over Gwinnett:
May 3rd: Fridays N Duluth
Experience exotic flavors in a mobile vending setting with amazing local cuisine while listening to live entertainment on the Duluth Town Green!
May 3rd: See Mexican pop star Gloria Trevi @ Gas South Arena
The show starts at 8:00 pm. Secure your tickets before they are gone!
May 4th: 4th de Mayo Block Party @ Indio Brewing
Starting at 12 pm stop by for Cerveza, Tequila, Tacos, Mariachi, Lucha Libre, Karaoke, and more!
May 4th - May 5th: Cinco De Mayhem @ Truck N Tap Lawrenceville
The ultimate Kentucky Derby, May the Fourth be with you, & Cinco de Mayo party complete with drink specials and live music!
12:00 pm - 11:445 pm
May 4th & 5th: Latino Family Music Festival @ Stone Mountain Park
The festival features a family-friendly Drone & Light Show on the largest screen in the world, storytellers, and live international talent including Aztec Dancers, Colombian & Mexican Ballet, Flamenco Dancers, Mariachi Bands, Pleneros, Mexican bands, & more!
May 5th: Cinco de Mayo Pop-Up on Duluth Town Green
Fiesta like there's no manana! Grab a marg from one of your favorite Downtown Duluth Bar and then dance the night away to live music!
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
May 5th: Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest @ Plaza Las Americas
Indulge in a flavorful fiesta featuring a variety of mouthwatering tacos from authentic food trucks, while enjoying live music and entertainment that will have you dancing all day long.
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
May 5th: Cinco de Mayo Sunday Funday Party @ Cultivation Brewery
An afternoon of celebration, delicious street tacos, and the release of TWO new brews!
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
May 5th: Cinco de Mayo @ StillFire Brewery
Celebrate all day long with delicious specials like $20 pitchers of their award-winning Blue Bandito Mexican Larger & $8 Margaritas with live music from Luke Latimer starting at 3 pm.
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
