Although it appears Fox & Hound doesn't know the meaning of Cinco de Mayo, plenty of institutions around Philadelphia are ready to celebrate Mexico's victory over the French military on May 5, 1862. For many the holiday has become a date for celebrating Mexican culture, and thus restaurants will host food and drink deals, museums will host musical performances and the city will honor Mexico with a week of programming.
Check out both a selection of local celebrations and restaurant specials below.
The Consulate of Mexico and the
Mexican Cultural Center are not only celebrating Cinco de Mayo, but their rich culture, too, with five days of events around town. Opening and closing ceremonies will take place at City Hall and in between musical and dance performances will appear at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Foundation, The Kimmel Center and Love Park. Plus,
Mexican Restaurant Week brings meal promotions and discounts to area restaurants.
Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 5
Times and locations vary
The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports is hosting a fundraising ride and walk through Chester County. Proceeds aid the center in its mission to help people with disabilities lead healthy, happy lives through sports and recreation. From beginners to cycling enthusiasts, there is a route for anyone who wants to support PCAS. The post-ride "fiesta" comes to participants courtesy of
Mas Mexicali Cantina.
Sunday, May 3
8 a.m. | $35 per rider, $25 for students, free for children under 12
Chester Valley Trail, Exton Trailhead
140 Church Farm Lane, Exton, PA
(484) 876-1245
Six Flags locations nationwide -- including Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ -- are hosting a special party. Guests can enjoy games, giveaways and live entertainment during "Fiesta Time." After the party, each park will leave some rides open after hours for Fiesta wristband holders.
A day-long celebration will take over Ranstead Street thanks to El Rey. Authentic Mexican street food will be served, a mariachi band and a DJ will provide some tunes and a special menu of tacos, margaritas and house-made agua frescas will be prepared.
Tuesday, May 5
2-10 p.m. | Free admission
El ReyRanstead St. between 20th and 21St St.
(215) 563-3330
Chef Alex Garfinkel will battle chef Yehuda Sichel of
Abe Fisher in an eight-course Mexican-themed tasting dinner -- and attendees will reap all the benefits! Mixologist Kelly Pipich will whip up the drink pairings and diners will judge the champion.
Tuesday, May 5
7:30 p.m. | $85, reservations required
Balboa2109 E. Susquehanna Ave.
(215) 380-3046
Restaurant Specials
With five days of food and drink specials, Lolita isn't messing around. From a tequila tasting and seafood platter on Friday, May 1 to a three-course BBQ beer dinner on Sunday, May 3 to extended happy hour specials on Cinco de Mayo, they're stacking up on flavor all week.
Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 5
Hours vary, reservations recommended
106 S. 13th St.
(215) 546-7100
Combining the annual "Star Wars" holiday of "May the Fourth Be With You" with Cinco de Mayo, Cantina will serve its usual Mexican fare plus "Star Wars"-themed specials. Starting around 10 p.m. they'll show "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" and "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back."
Monday, May 4
11 a.m.-2 a.m.
1651 East Passyunk Ave.
(215) 755-3550
All of Mad Mex's locations -- from Happy Valley to Pittsburgh to Wynnewood -- will celebrate by opening up at 9 a.m. with breakfast burritos and "Eggchiladas." Drink specials will go on all day, including $5 22 oz. Dos Equis drafts, as will games and giveaways.
Tuesday, May 5
Chef Jose Garces' hip University City outlet will serve up specials all day. Drink specials include $5 margaritas, $3 select draft beers and $2 Tecates. Plus, a DJ will join the party at 6 p.m. along with giveaways and raffle prizes.
Tuesday, May 5
11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
3945 Chestnut St.
(215) 222-1657
In addition to their usual Mexican menu offerings and $5 margaritas, Johnny Manana's will have a live DJ from 4-11 p.m. The Corona girls will also be stopping by for Corona giveaways, of course.
Tuesday, May 5
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
4201 Ridge Ave., East Falls
(215) 843-0499
In addition to the $5 margaritas, $3 tequila shots and $5 bites, Mixto's bartenders are creating specialty drinks for the holiday.
Tuesday, May 5
4-11 p.m.
1141 Pine St.
(215) 592-0363
In order to make what they call their "fanciest tacos ever," Loco Pez is teaming up with c
hefs Michael Griffiths and Kevin D'egidio of Helm, the new BYOB in Old Kensington, for the night. They'll also have sombrero giveaways and drink specials available.
Tuesday, May 5
5 p.m.-2 a.m.
2401 E. Norris St.
(267) 886-8061
M. Kennedy/Visit Philadelphia™
