Cinco de Mayo, which translates to “May 5th” from Spanish to English, is a Mexican holiday filled with celebration. Although it would be ideal to hop on a plane to Mexico, we’ve got 10 ways that you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo right here in Ontario.
1. Visit a local restaurant
One of the best ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is to visit a Mexican restaurant or bar. One great spot to check out is Baro restaurant on King Street West in Toronto. They will be hosting their annual Baro Cinco de Mayo celebration, where all four floors of the restaurant will be celebrating in the festivities. Featuring special tasting menus from their Latin menu to dance parties, this is a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday.
2. Go on a boat cruise
Enjoy a Cinco de Mayo cruise in Windsor, Ontario, courtesy of Windsor Premier Cruises! This 19+ event is being held from 6 to 9 pm on May 5th, featuring a DJ, taco specials, and pitchers of margaritas. This is a great way to enjoy the holiday with a great view. You can buy tickets here.
3. Take a Mexican cooking class
On May 5th, take a cooking class in Ayr, Ontario, and learn how to make delicious Mexican food at home. Hosted by the 1909 Culinary Academy, this exciting class will show you how to make all of your favourite Mexican dishes and cocktails. This event is also family-friendly, with children ages 10-17 welcome to join in on the fun. You can buy tickets here.
4. Go to an outdoor market
Located in London, Ontario, Cinco de Mayo Fest is a great way for the whole family to celebrate. Cinco de Mayo Fest, located in Covent Garden Market, will feature food vendors, live music, face painting, and more! This event is running on Saturday, May 6th from 3 to 8 pm, and Sunday, May 7th from 11 am to 6 pm, and admission is free. There will definitely be something for everyone to enjoy at this family-friendly event.
5. Go to a BBQ
Another great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is by enjoying great food and live music. Brickyard BBQ, located in Etobicoke, Ontario, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party featuring their award-winning barbeque and live Latin band. The event starts at 8 pm and doesn’t end until 1 am, so get a group together and enjoy the festivities! Ticket prices start at $20 and can be purchased here.
6. Enjoy live music
Take time to enjoy some live music this Cinco de Mayo at an open mic night. Located at The Art Cafe in Pickering, Ontario, go and listen to the music or participate in the performance yourself! Specialty margaritas will also be served to help everyone get into the spirit. Tickets are only $5 per person, and you can RSVP here. Make sure to notify ahead of time whether you want to perform or not! Free parking is also available for Pickering residents after your licence plate is registered with the city.
7. Enjoy a fun meal at home
A great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is by having your own fun meal at home with friends and family. Whether it’s tacos, burritos, or any other type of delicious Mexican cuisine, the whole family will enjoy the delicious flavours. For those of legal drinking age, you can also try making margaritas or other fun cocktails to compliment your food. Click here for some fun recipe ideas!
8. Bar hop!
There is a May 5th celebratory club crawl taking place at the Bull & Barrel Urban Saloon in Windsor, Ontario. Enjoy sampling tequila, cornhole tournaments and more. Purchase your tickets here.
We hope we gave you some fun ideas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Enjoy time with your family and friends this weekend, and remember, don’t drink and drive!
