Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. This holiday on May 5 marks Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the U.S., the holiday is a time to celebrate Mexican culture with food and music — and plenty of spots in NoVA will be hosting festivities this year. Here’s where you can find special events and deals on tacos, margaritas, and more.
Bandito’s Tacos & Tequila
For a weekend-long celebration, Bandito’s is your place. The venue will be offering monster margaritas and tequila flights, several different kinds of tacos, as well as live music and activities like face-painting. Stop by anytime from Friday, May 2, until Monday, May 5, to partake in the festivities. 1301 S. Joyce St., D4, Arlington; 10621 Braddock Rd., Ste. I, Fairfax
Guapo’s
This year, all 10 Guapo’s restaurants in the DMV will be hosting an outdoor Cinco de Mayo party with live music, never-ending street food tacos, and margaritas. From battered fish to veggie tacos, there will be options for everyone. And if margaritas aren’t your thing, they will also have plenty of cold Mexican beer. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes, this fiesta is going to be quite the event. Multiple area locations
Jinya Ramen Bar
Cinco de Mayo at a ramen bar? Yes, this celebration is going to be a fusion blast. Jinya will be serving up a trio of mini tacos — salmon poke, spicy tuna, and vegan Impossible — for $2 each. Pair your tacos with a yuzu margarita, or try the grand lava margarita, which comes with honey and jasmine syrup. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 2911 District Ave., Unit 170, Fairfax; 11964 Market St., Reston
Matt & Tony’s
Matt and Tony’s will be hosting a bash on Cinco de Mayo from 3 to 9 p.m., complete with music, Mexican food, and drink specials. Culinary director Eric Brannon spent five years living in San Diego, and the regular trips he then used to make to Tijuana, Valle de Guadalupe, and Ensenada inspired this event. The $10 food specials include tuna tostada, Caesar salad (which was invented 100 years ago in Tijuana), crispy fish tacos, and ceviche. There will also be $10 tequila cocktails and a tasting of rare mezcals. 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Urbano
For an all-day Cinco de Mayo fiesta, visit Urbano. You can indulge in taco specials for $10 or $14 on May 5 at the Alexandria location and May 4 at the Mosaic District location. Margaritas will be half off, and there will be discounts on beer and other cocktails. A DJ will be spinning tunes to turn up the party. 116 King St., Alexandria; 2885 District Ave., Fairfax
Feature image courtesy Jinya Ramen Bar
