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Experience the Best of Mexican Culture with Cinco de Mayo Saint Paul

In this article we are going help you Experience the Best of Mexican Culture with Cinco de Mayo Saint Paul. So hold on to your sombreros and don’t sample too many shots of tequila.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Ask Americans today what Cinco de Mayo is about, and they will tell you that they don’t have a clue. For many Americans, the holiday is (like many) an excuse to eat food and drink too much. If prodded further, some might guess (incorrectly) that the holiday is a celebration of Mexico’s independence.

Best of Mexican Culture with Cinco de Mayo Saint Paul — **Celebrating The Day of the Dead**

For those curious, Mexico’s Independence Day is the 16th of September, and not the 5th of May. Rather than a celebration of Independence from Spain, Cinco de Mayo began as a celebration of victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Today, the holiday has evolved into something different.

How Do you Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

In Mexico, the day is not widely celebrated, but stateside, Cinco de Mayo has shifted into a commemoration of Mexico’s culture and heritage, especially in parts of the country with large populations of Mexican-Americans. American celebrations of the holiday typically include parades, parties, mariachi bands, traditional Mexican foods, and dancing.

Food at Cinco de Mayo Saint Paul — **The best Mexican Food**

Though the largest celebration of Cinco de Mayo is found in Los Angeles, arguably one of the best can be found a little bit closer to home for us Minnesotans.

Cinco do Mayo in West Side Saint Paul

The Cinco de Mayo – West Side Saint Paul festival celebrates the Mexican heritage, culture, and history and has united the Saint Paul Mexican-American community annually since 1985. Saturday, May 4th (believe me, we were surprised it wasn’t on the 5th either) marks the 34th anniversary of this incredible celebration.

The original goal of beginning this festival in 1985 was to obviously celebrate the community and its businesses, but perhaps more importantly, it was intended to make the West Side of Saint Paul into a “destination place.” The festival that has grown from those intentions over the years clearly shows us that goal has been achieved.

The Cinco de Mayo – West Side Saint Paul celebration is indeed a destination.

Quite the Festive Event

Inflatable bouncy houses, laughter, art, and more! The May 4th event is a great opportunity to bring together friends, family, food and fun. This year’s Cinco de Mayo – West Side Saint Paul festival will host a wide variety of attractions for people of all ages ranging from live music and dance to even a jalapeno eating contest!

Unfortunately, you’ll have to take on the event without your dogs, cats, turtles, fish, etc. as the festival is a pet free zone, but there is still plenty of fun to be had! Drop by the 20th anniversary car and bike show to take in a one-of-a-kind experience with some of the best classics, lowriders and hot rods on the road. Enter in the El Grito contest for your chance at $100 by simply “show[ing] your excitement on stage” at the festival.

Take in the history of Cinco de Mayo and of the West Side of Saint Paul at the History Zone to see their past, as well as where this thriving community is headed next. But before you leave, don’t forget to experience the crown jewel of the celebration.

The most highly attended event, and one of the best reasons to go, is the Cinco de Mayo – West Side Parade. Thousands of individuals come from all over to witness the floats from local organizations within the community and authentic Mexican dancers as they trek down Cesar Chavez Street in Saint Paul. An explosion of colors, dancing, and music, this cultural display is truly immersive and an impressive site to behold.

Photos in this article display some of the highlights from the 2018 festival, but I look forward to sharing more with you in the weeks to come! Join me at Cinco de Mayo – West Side Saint Paul on May 4th, from 9AM to 4PM, and let’s experience Mexican culture together!