5 Ways To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In Metro Detroit

METRO DETROIT — Hundreds of U.S. cities are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, including in metro Detroit, as a nod to Mexican culture and heritage. Did you know the May 5 holiday is distinctly American?

Cinco de Mayo observes the date of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated Napoleon III’s powerful French troops, who were occupying the area seeking unpaid debts. A common misconception confuses the holiday with Mexican Independence Day, or El Día de la Independencia, which is Sept. 16.

The holiday was popularized as a U.S. celebration by Latinos in California and the Pacific Northwest who, upon learning of the Battle of Puebla, formed organizations that raised money for Mexican troops.

Here are five events happening around metro Detroit to celebrate Cinco de Mayo day.

59th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta

• Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5
• Southwest Detroit area (Woodmere Street, Vernor Highway)
• The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metropolitan Detroit is planning the 59th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade on Sunday. The 3-mile parade route will start from Woodmere Street and will travel east along Vernor Hwy, usually ending at W. Grand Blvd. The parade will begin at noon.

Royal Oak Tequila Fest

• Saturday, May 4
• Tickets are $49-$69. Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road
• sample a variety of tequila brands, tequila liqueurs, crèmes, mezcals, and more alongside handcrafted margaritas and other cocktails. There will also be taco trucks, live music, games and shopping.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with The Backdoor Tacos and Tequila

• Sunday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Backdoor at 401 S. Main Street in Rochester
• You can stop by The Backdoor and Tequila Bar in Rochester. They're hosting a Cinco de Mayo party that includes a taco bar, more than 150 types of tequila and live entertainment.

Fiesta Detroit

• Friday through Sunday
• 4114 W. Vernor Highway, Detroit, and the surrounding area
• The event is expected to host 75 influencers and performers, including live music across five stages, an artisan market featuring more than 100 vendors, wrestling, a beer garden, and more.

Ferndale Cinco de Mayo Festival at Mezcal

• Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mezcal Mexican Bar and Kitchen at 201 E. 9 Mile Road in Ferndale
• There will be food, drinks, shopping and even Lucha Libre wrestling matches