6 Parties to Gorge on Tacos, Coronas, and Margaritas This Cinco de Mayo
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the tequila is flowing, and the grooves are too. That must mean one thing, my taco-loving friends: Cinco de Mayo, arguably the happiest celebration of French defeat in history is once again upon us, for it was on May 5, 1862, that the Mexican Army slogged it out against the French Empire and came out victorious at the Battle of Puebla (after a long and arduous battle). Despite those bloody origins, Cinco de Mayo is now a time to celebrate the best of Mexican culture (largely in the US) via its mouthwatering food and heady cocktails. Combine those delicious elements with a sprinkling of Saturday, and you have yourself a party. All of the below events fall on May 5, and are alphabetized by venue:
Cinco de Mayo Afro-Latin Dance Party at Beijing Riviera
Over at Beijing Riviera, they've got something a little different going on this Cinco de Mayo, throwing a dance party for a good cause. Expect Mexican food and drink, and plenty of booty shaking to Afro-Beat, salsa, and bachata, with proceeds going to The Migrant Children’s Foundation. And the fun doesn't stop there – the after party will head to Polo Bar. RMB 50. 4-6pm. Beijing Riviera
Cinco de Mayo at Home Plate
Home Plate's Sanlitun and Sanyuanli venues will ring in Cinco de Mayo with some pretty great deals on margaritas (two for RMB 45), frozen margaritas (two for RMB 55), Jose Cuervo tequila shots (six for RMB 100), and Corona buckets (five bottles for RMB 100). There are also "whispers of some special Home Plate tacos that will be made." Free. 6pm-midnight. Home Plate (both locations)
Cinco de Mayo at The Local
The Local goes large this Cinco de Mayo, having hosted a whole week of events (including RMB 35 tacos and shot combos on Thursday and Friday, 4-8pm) that continue through to this Saturday, which in itself is divided in two: CdM pregame (midday-6pm) and the big bash itself (8pm-midnight). Head over then for daytime drink specials on the patio, followed by specials on tequila shots, frozen margaritas, and more in the evening. Free. Midday-midnight. The Local Bar & Grill
Cinco de Mayo at Luga’s
One of the longest-running Mexican joints in Beijing, Luga's is lining up a day of Mexican grub and drinks deals on Saturday. Highlights include happy hour-priced margaritas, RMB 10 tequila shots, half-price nachos, and RMB 118 buckets of Corona. Free. 11am-2am. Luga's Villa
Pinko De Mayo at Palms L.A. Kitchen
Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar is hooking up with Jing-A and going pink: pink outfits and accessories are strongly encouraged, and so are strong Karl Marx mustaches on account of it also being the 200th birthday of Mr. Communism himself. The party will take place on Palms' Liangmaqiao patio and feature DJs throughout as well as an urban pool party, RMB 15 tacos, and RMB 35 Jing-A beers and shot specials. Free. Midday-6pm. Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar
Cinco de Mayo at Q Mex
Both of Q Mex's outlets (Sanlitun and Xinyuanli) will be celebrating this Saturday throughout the day. Head over to either location for drinks specials (a Mexican flag margarita for RMB 55, anyone?) and Latin music. Free. 11am-2am. Q Mex (both locations)
And with that, happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone!
Images: twincities.com, courtesy of the venues, wifflegif.com
