Los Angeles has the largest Cinco de Mayo street fair in the world, as well as many smaller celebrations in individual neighborhoods. Here are some of the most accessible events.
This information was accurate at the time of publication. Please check with venues for the most current information.
If you are the organizer of one of these or another Cinco de Mayo event, please send updates or corrections to golosangeles.guide@about.com
More: What is Cinco de Mayo?
This information was accurate at the time of publication. Please check with venues for the most current information.
If you are the organizer of one of these or another Cinco de Mayo event, please send updates or corrections to golosangeles.guide@about.com
More: What is Cinco de Mayo?
1. Fiesta Broadway
Courtesy of Fiesta Broadway
A mile-long street fair with music, games and vendor booths in downtown LA.
When: April 26, 2009, 1 am - 6 pm
Where: Broadway from 1st to Olympic, Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Info: www.fiestabroadway.la
More: Fiesta Broadway Profile and Map
When: April 26, 2009, 1 am - 6 pm
Where: Broadway from 1st to Olympic, Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Info: www.fiestabroadway.la
More: Fiesta Broadway Profile and Map
2. Cinco de Mayo at El Pueblo de Los Angeles
© 2005 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
A traditional celebration with mariachis, folklorico dancers, piñatas and other activities for the kids at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles. When: Friday - Sunday, May 1-3, 2009, 10 am - 10 pm
Where: Olvera Street pedestrian zone at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site, 845 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: (213) 485-8372, www.olvera-street.com/html/fiestas.html (not updated for 2009)
Where: Olvera Street pedestrian zone at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site, 845 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: (213) 485-8372, www.olvera-street.com/html/fiestas.html (not updated for 2009)
3. Viva El Cinco! Family Festival at the Autry National Center
Mariachis, ballet folklorico and charro (cowboy) demonstrations, plus Mexican-Revolution-themed puppet shows and puppet making for kids.When: May 3, 2009, 11 am - 5 pm
Where: 4700 Western Heritage Way , Los Angeles , 90027
Cost:: Included with admission of $9 adults, $5 seniors 60+, students with ID and children 13-18, $3 children 3-12, Free under 3
Info: www.autrynationalcenter.org
4. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and Classic Car Show in Santa Monica
Mariachis, a salsa band, folklorico dancers and children's crafts will share space with classic, vintage, muscle cars, low riders, trucks and specialty vehicles at this celebration at Virginia Park in Santa Monica.When: Sunday, May 3, 2009, 1-5:30 pm
Where: Virginia Park, northwest corner of Pico and Cloverfield in Santa Monica
Cost: Free
Parking: Free at Santa Monica College “Structure A” at the corner of Pico and 17th Street, a Big Blue Bus will provide free shuttle service from the corner of Pico and 16th St eastbound
5. Cinco de Maya in Santa Ana
The largest Mexican-American community in Orange County celebrates with two-days of festivities including carnival rides, games, music, dance and lots of food on historic 4th Street in downtown Santa Ana.When: May 2-3, 2009, Saturday 11 am - 10 pm, Sunday 11 am - 9 pm
Where: 4th Street
Cost: Free
Info: www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/cda/communitycalendar.asp#May2
6. Bowers Museum Lecture: Cinco de Mayo: A Battle that Changed Mexico
Gregorio Luke, a leading expert on Mexican art and culture, presents a multimedia, in-depth analysis on this historical battle in which the Mexican army defeated French invaders, and the impact that 5 de Mayo had on the U.S. A reception follows the lecture.When: May 2, 2009, 1:30 pm
Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main St , Santa Ana , 92706
Cost: Included with $12 admission or $8 for lecture alone.
Info: www.bowers.org
