While tequila and margaritas may have become staples for Cinco de Mayo parties everywhere, this hasn't always been the case. In fact, May 5 actually has a lot of rich cultural heritage, dating all the way back to 1862 when the Mexican Army proved victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Over the years, the day has become a great source of Mexican pride... and also a good excuse for people to get together and fiesta.
Whether it's a morning spent exploring the holiday's history at the Children's Museum or diving into a Mexican feast and enjoying live music at one of this year's kid-friendly celebrations, we challenge you to bring back some of that cultural awareness this year... and have some good, old-fashioned family fun in the process.
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Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Children's Museum
Cinco de Mayo Celebration - The Woodlands
4775 West Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, 77381
281-465-0955
When: May 5 during regular museum hours
Cost: Free with purchase of general admission ticket; Tickets are $6 for adults and children ages 1 and up
What to expect: Enjoy a day filled with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Start by watching the Chikawa Conroe Aztec Dancers perform and then head to Storybook Theatre for a special reading of Cinco el Mouso. Finish your day of festivities with a concert performance by Prelude Sing-a-Long Family done in Spanish.
Cinco de Mayo WonderWeek - Downtown
1500 Binz St., 77004
713-522-138
When: May 4-10 during regular museum hours
Cost: Free with purchase of general admission ticket; tickets are $12 for adults and children ages 1 and up
What to expect: Celebrate the historic Cinco de Mayo during a week-long fiesta of fun at the Children's Museum of Houston. Ongoing, hands-on activities, and performances throughout the week include creating Amate Paintings, Insect Impressions, Maracas, Flower Crowns, and more.
Photo courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre
Cinco de Mayo at Miller with Tlen-Huicani and Villalobas Brothers - Inner Loop
6000 Hermann Park Drive, 77030
281-373-3386
When: May 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to expect: Start the night with Tlen-Huicani, whose music showcases the "harpa jarocha" (or folk harp). The group, known for their traditional costumes and instruments, captivates audiences by leading them on a journey through Mexico's music, time and place. Following Tlen-Huicani, Villalobas Brothers take the stage, weaving Mexican folk music, jazz and classical music together to create a Contemporary Mexican ensemble.
12th Annual Cinco de Mayo - Northwest Houston
7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy, 77041
281-890-5500
When: May 7
Cost: Free to attend event; $4 parking per car
What to expect: It's an afternoon packed with family fun when you celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Trader's Village. There's live music, fajitas and turkey legs, games and activities for the kids, community service exhibits and margaritas y cervezas. Performances include Konzentido of Afid Ferrer, Sonora Carnaval and Big Charro.
Photo courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing Co.
Santo de Mayo 5k - Inner Loop
2000 Lyons Ave, 77020
713-686-9494
When: May 7
Cost: $50 for adult 5k registration; $25 for beer & party pass
What to expect: Ready to run for fun? Lace up your shoes and fiesta through Saint Arnold's Santo de Mayo 5k, then stick around after the race for a Cinco de Mayo celebration full of live music, Saint Arnold's craft beer and plenty of fun.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Kemah
215 Kipp Ave, 77565
877-285-3624
When: May 5-7 during regular Boardwalk hours
Cost: Free to attend; food, drinks, rides and games are extra
What to expect: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all weekend long at Kemah Boardwalk. A jalapeno eating contest, live Latin music, kid's corner and Mariachis are just a few reasons to head to the Boardwalk for your fiesta, along with special giveaways, a Telemundo photo station and plenty more fun!
Photo courtesy of Robert M. Quintero MPA, J.D.
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2017 Galveston LULAC-Corona Beer Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - "Old" Galveston County Courthouse
722 21st Street, 77550
409-256-9602
When: May 7
Cost: Free to attend; food and drinks are extra
What to expect: Get ready for a full day of fun at the 2017 Galveston LULAC - Corona Beer Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Tejano Music Award winners Roberto Pulido y Los Classicos and David Marez provide this year's live music entertainment. Other event attractions include a jalapeno eating contest, Texas City High School's Mariachi Band, traditional Mexican dancers, a car show, Gritto Contest (Mexican Yell), games, food, piñatas and more.
Photo courtesy of Batanga
Cinco de Mayo at Batanga - Downtown
908 Congress, 77002
713-224-9500
When: May 5 during regular business hours
Cost: Free to attend; food and drinks are extra
What to expect: Sit back, relax and enjoy the fiesta on the patio at Batanga's during their annual Cinco de Mayo bash. Festivities include $5 margaritas, the Inferno Taco Eating Contest, food specials and Live Latin Salsa from 8 p.m.-midnight.
Top photo courtesy of Children's Museum of Houston