Celebrate Mexican Pride with Cinco de Mayo

Many folks just don't understand the real importance and significance of Cinco de Mayo, either thinking it's Mexican Independence Day or just a day for margarita consumption. (It's definitely not the former, and there are tequila mixed drink lovers who would contest the latter.)

In truth, Cinco de Mayo honors the Mexican Army's incredible defeat of French fores at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. And it is a day that is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla and in the United States to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride.

But many don't want the history lesson, so here are a few places taking note of May 5 in Marietta this year.

1. Local venues Jimmy Mac's Food and Spirits, The Place Bar and Grill, Player's Sports Bar and Cafe, and Brewster's Grille are holding Cinco de Mayo celebrations and drink specials. Brewster's is offering Margaritas $3, Jose Cuervo Gold 1800  $4, Queso Dip  $5, Quesodillas $6, Nachos $7, and Texas Hold'em.

2. Wild Wings Cafe is offering live Mariachi Music, Grande Margaritas and a new Taco Menu. $3 Tacos, Make-Your-Own Margaritas and more. Wild Wings is located at 2145 Roswell Road.

3. The Therapeutic Program with is holding a variety of Cinco de Mayo parties from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at recreation centers across the county. Play games and create a Mexican meal. The closest one will be held at Shaw Park-Northeast Cobb Community Center: 3100 Jaycee Dr. (Do not take the turn to the library go to next road, Brackett Rd., and turn by carwash across from the Marietta Fish Market). For information, contact Ann Bonds at ann.bonds@cobbcounty.org or 770-819-3257.

4. If Mexican wine is more your style, you'll want to stop by the offers its own take for the holiday by calling its event "Cinco De Wino." Held from 5 to 7 p.m., the shop will feature complimentary sangria and Mexican appetizers. The Marietta Wine Market has a full week of events in celebration of its six years near the Marietta Square. Visit www.mariettawinemarket.com for details.

5. Although the Yaarab Shrine Circus closes a full four days before the actual date of Cinco de Mayo, organizers have marketed this weekend at the carnival and circus as a "Cinco de Mayo Family Weekend Celebration."

For Friday, the flea market opens at 10 a.m.; the circus parade begins at 6 p.m. and the circus performs at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the flea market opens at 8:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 3 p.m. The circus will perform at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, the flea market opens at 10 a.m. and the parade begins at 3 p.m. The circus will perform at 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10.