Cinco de Mayo 2013 - San Diego Style!

Okay, so you would think, since San Diego borders Mexico, we would know how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Well, you are so right!  In  our beloved Old Town community, the "Birthplace of California" one of the largest, and oldest Cinco de Mayo celebrations, will be taking place this weekend.  By the way, very convenient that Cinco de mayo happens to fall on a weekend.

A Little History:

Many people often assume Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day.  But, no, Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of a battle between Mexico and France in 1862 (in the Mexican town of Puebla) which Mexico won.  But France came back, stronger than ever, and defeated Mexico and ruled the country for several more years.  Independence Day for Mexico is actually September 16.

Cinco de Mayo is much more an American celebration than a Mexican one.  I guess we needed another reason to enjoy a good fiesta.  I believe, in Mexico, some of the border cities celebrate as does the town of Puebla, where the battle took place.  But, the rest of Mexico regards it as just another day.  

Old Town San Diego:

This is the area bordered by I-5 and I-8, our two largest regional highways, where San Diego got started.  Cabrillo was a Spanish Explorer from Portugal and was the first of European descent to "discover" California.  In 1542 he landed on Ballast Point in Point Loma but did not settle here (he should have bought property!).  Anyway, about 200 years later Spaniards from Mexico did come and start a settlement, Old Town.  The area is now home to many restaurants, a few hotels, shopping, historical places and, no shortage of places where you can find a great margarita.

View Old Town San Diego in a larger map.

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo 2013

There will be all kinds of fun at the 30th annual Fiesta Old town Cinco del Mayo celebration this weekend.  This is not only the 30th year the event has taken place but it has become the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in California.

Three stages of wonderful Live Entertainment for two days, for Free!  Saturday, May 4 all day from 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday May 5 from 11 AM to 5PM you will be able to enjoy:

• Ballet Folklorico
• Jazz
• Latin Jazz
• Pop Music
• The Navy Southwest Band
• Mariachi
• Norteno
• Kids Activities and Entertainment

And, if all that is not enough, there will also be a Mercado with all types of great things to buy, jewelry, clothes, handmade leather items, artwork, etc.  All that makes you hungry, right?  Well you are at the right place!   There will be over 20 delicious restaurants to choose from.  Cold adult beverages, margaritas, beer, Mexican inspired wine and cocktails will be available.  Another fun thing you do not want to miss is Lowrider Lane.  These cars are amazing!

The weather this weekend will be terrific (warm and sunny) so, slather on the sunscreen, and come over to Old Town San Diego and have FUN.

Cinco de Mayo 2013 - San Diego Style!