Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Without Getting on a Plane

Ready to toss back a tasty margarita or gather with a convivial group to share a pitcher of sangria? Want to join a contest for consuming hot peppers or eating a four-pound burrito? Ready to dig into an overflowing plate of nachos? Want to have a lot of fun this Saturday?

Each week, Patch tells you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, make your life a little easier, or a lot more enjoyable.

Anyone who's been to a lively Cinco de Mayo celebration will want to mark the event on an annual basis. And this year the date falls on a Saturday.

It may be a little harder to track down the party in this area than is some parts of the U.S., but it is still possible to catch that South of the Border spirit around Somerset County.

Right in town, the at the New Jersey National Golf Club off Allen Road will again add a Cinco de Mayo theme to the restaurant that night, with special Mexican food and drinks.

on South Finley Avenue in Basking Ridge Center also is planning to have some Mexican specialties and Mexican beers that night.

Down Route 206 the Green Knoll Grille in Bridgewater will invite those who want to head out to a gathering that date to enjoy Mexican menu specialties and drink specials such as $3.50 for Dos Equis beer, an employee said.

Of course, the in the Lyons Mall and Panchero's in Bedminster will be serving their usual Mexican fare on the big day. Both are good places to stop for a quick meal with kids if you just want a fix of burritos, tacos or other staples.

Other local restaurants, such as the aren't planning a major party, but will offer some Mexican food items on that day.

However, for those willing to travel a little further for fun, Sol Mexican Cantina on Route 22 westbound in Branchburg promises a full day of Cinco de Mayo festivities, with a salsa cookoff and chili cookoff complementing food and drink specials, an employee said. Eating contests for hot peppers and a four-pound burrito will begin about 2 or 3 p.m. that day, he said.

And for those who really want a blowout, the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset is planning three sessions of a Cinco de Mayo Big Brew Beer Festival, starting Friday evening and lasting into Saturday night. The party will feature Mariachi music, food, rides on a mechanical bull and other games and a scheduled Saturday night performance by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes to help you imagine you're South of the Border. And, of course, lots of different beers. Tickets, for ages 21 and older, are limited — but they're looking for volunteers to help staff the event.

According to the History.com website, Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).

But although that distant historic occasion is the reason for the name, Cinco de Mayo has become a rousing celebration of all things Mexican, celebrated nationwide. History.com says Cinco de Mayo actually is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, given at least as much recognition in the United States.

Please let us know of any other celebrations or specials in our area, or how you might be marking the day with your own recipe for food or fun.