Cinco de Mayo is approaching! The fifth of May is commonly mistaken as Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorates Mexico’s underdog victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Fast forward to the new millennium and the mostly American-celebrated holiday is unrecognizable from its original roots. However, Los Angeles is home to some incredible events that honor and celebrate Mexican history, and we’ve gathered all of our favorite ones below.
1. Watch the Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade
Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles, wouldn’t be complete without the Venice Parade returns with their historic event to celebrate Mexican American Heritage. The community can expect powerful performances by Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico, Venice High School Band, Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, Classic Cars/Lowriders, and more. There will also be vendors, authentic Mexican food, and live music.
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 4th, 2024 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Location: Oakwood Park Recreation Center, 767 California Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90291
📝 Extra info:
-Parade starts at 10:0 a.m.
-Parade route starts at Lincoln Blvd and California Ave.
-Street Festival begins at 11:00 a.m. on 7th Ave between California Ave and Broadway Ave.
2. Enjoy Cinco de Mayo Rose Bowl Festival
3. Party at Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
This historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, which is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, is lined with vendors selling everything from colorful piñatas to Mexican pottery, at Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles. This restored district honors the city’s Mexican heritage and is one of the best places to get delicious Mexican food and browse traditional crafts.
📍Location: Olvera St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 4th, 2024 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4. Make a toast for the Battle of Puebla at Damian
On May 5th, guests are invited to join for cocktail specials commemorating the Battle of Puebla in 1862, at Damian. This event celebrates the fusion of France and Mexico through the renowned brands Chartreuse & Agua Magica. Reservations for dinner are available, or guests can simply drop by the bar on Sunday, May 5th, to indulge in these exclusive drink offerings during lunch or dinner.
5. Explore LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a cultural space that aims to uplift, share, and preserve the stories and art of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and all Latinx people in our community. It’s currently home to the exhibition Calle principal: mi México en Los Ángeles. This exhibition immerses visitors in the vibrant life of 1920s downtown Los Angeles, recreating Main Street’s essence and inviting exploration of Mexican, Mexican-American, and immigrant communities. Through interactive experiences, it bridges past and present, offering a multisensory journey for families to connect with history.
📍Location: 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
6. Witness the most epic and sultry Cinco de Mayo throwdown
Miss Rita’s Lucha VaVOOM: Cinco Unchained is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! People go crazy for this unique combo of authentic Mexican wrestling combined with insane performances and comedy! Watch luchadores body slam, pounce, and pulverize their competitors as dreamy burlesque dancers charm and enchant the crowd. Grab your best luchador mask and join the fun on May 4.
🗓️ When: Sat, May 4, 2024
📍 Location: Don Quixote, 2811 E Olympic Blvd
🎟️ Tickets: Grab tickets here. (21 plus)
7. Shop from 20+ local vendors and enjoy entertainment at the Cinco de Mayo Unidos Vendor Market
On Sunday, join 2ND & PCH at the curated open-air market celebrating the Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles. Enjoy folklórico dancers, mariachi bands, photo ops, drinks from Beachwood Brewing, and unique crafts for visitors to browse.
📍 Location: 6400 Pacific Coast HWY, Long Beach, CA 90803
8. Enjoy live mariachi music in Santa Monica
Experience a vibrant Cinco de Mayo Celebration on the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade from 4 to 5:30 p.m.! Delight in captivating performances by UCLA’s Mariachi de Uclatlán, Academia de Danza BFFM, and the talented recording artist Danny Muñoz. Indulge in the ultimate fiesta atmosphere with outdoor dining from local favorites including Casa Martin, Cabo Cantina, 1212, and Ugo Trattoria.
9. Rediscover the Museum of Latin American Art
Located in the LBC, the Museum Of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to featuring and highlighting both modern and contemporary Latin American art. While general admission is typically $15, the museum is totally free to the public on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., which makes it ideal to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
10. Enjoy some tacos at the oldest Mexican restaurant in LA
Crunchy and juicy tacos are perfect for any day and any time. But undoubtedly, there’s no better plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles than visiting the mythical and legendary Mexican restaurant, El Cholo. This place is one of the city’s finest restaurants, serving delicious meals since 1923.
11. Visit the Avila Adobe house
The oldest house in the entire city is freely accessible every day of the week. But Cinco de Mayo is a more than special occasion to visit, as it’s the ideal time to honor Los Angeles’ roots by celebrating the strong bond with Mexican culture.
Edited by Sofía Delpueche and Sarah Nash.