To most people, Cinco de Mayo (translation: May 5) is an excuse to drink Coronas while wearing sombreros and shouting ‘ay carumba‘ at the top of their lungs every couple hours. Then again, some people just call that “Tuesday.” What Cinco de Mayo actually represents is a day of pride for Mexicans. The event commemorates the Central American nation’s army’s improbable defeat of the French at the Battle Of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Learn something new every day, right?
That said, we never miss any reason to party. Vv Magazine has compiled a list of the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Toronto.
El Catrin’s Annual Cinco de Mayo Bash
One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the city, El Catrin in the Distillery District will be paying tribute to the May 5 celebrations with their annual Cinco de Mayo bash. You can expect free-flowing booze (tequila, especially), live DJs, a patio fiesta, and some seriously Mexican bites that’ll only make you drool for more.
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Pinatas on the hour, every hour! At their massive Cinco de Mayo party, you’ll be able to dive into a taco eating contest, all-you-can-eat-fish-tacos for $25.00, and $5.00 margaritas all evening long!
Milagro Cantina
$5.50 drink deals will be happening at all Milagro locations. May we suggest sipping on their Jimador Margaritas and the Herradura Reposado! Get your fivers ready, amigos!
El Caballito Mexico Giveaway
What says Cinco de Mayo more than tacos, maracas, and sipping on margaritas before the sun goes down? This May 3, El Caballito is throwing a Cinco de Mayo Mexican fiesta that will leave you blurry eyed and swaying to Menudo. Tickets for day drinking (2pm – 12 am) are $25.00, which includes a cocktail, munchies, and entertainment. If you’re not a ‘morning’ person, you can grab yourself a $20.00 Fiesta ticket (8 pm – 12 am) where you can enjoy yourself some tequila and live tunes. Uno momento, we saved the best for last: prizes! You’ll also get a chance to win a prime bottle of tequila, three months of free guac, and a trip for two to MEXICO. Olé!
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LCBO’s Cinco de Mayo Bash at the Drake
On Tuesday, May 5, at the Drake Hotel, the LCBO will be throwing a kickass bash. For $15.00 at the door, expect some cocktails, modern Mexican tapas, mariachi beats, and some hit spins by DJ Dougie Boom.
Cinco Libre at Thoroughbred Food & Drink
It doesn’t get any better than a tequila tasting and curated cocktails featuring Tromba Tequila along with some serious tunes, courtesy of DJ Grouch. Oh wait, it does get better — there’s no cover! Be sure to be at Thoroughbred this May 5, si?
CC Lounge
If you’re looking to stay in the Financial District for the Cinco de Mayo festivities, hop on over to CC Lounge on Front and enjoy $5.00 fish tacos with complimentary chips and salsa, along with $5.00 pints.
Annual Guacamole Smackdown at the Drake
Holy guacamole! The boutique hotel will be pairing up with Valdez restaurant for a guacamole smackdown party starting at 8pm on May 4. Hosted by local favourite Ivy Knight, four-years champ Chef Steve “El Jefe” Gonzalez of Valdez will be joined by Chef Dannie Masterton, coming all the way from San Miguel, Mexico. Pair the guac with some Corona and join the smackdown yourself.
Valdez Seven Day Fiesta
Valdez knows how to party — we’re talking a seven day fiesta. Starting on Friday, May 1, there will be a Loco on the Rooftop party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Toronto’s newfound warm weather. On the main day of May 5, there’ll be a Cinco de Mayo street party, featuring Valdez’s Chef Steve Gonzalez cooking up a storm alongside guest chefs from Momofuku and Fonda Lola. The Mexican street food restaurant will even be breaking their “no tacos” rule, so you know this is a big deal.
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Steam Whistle’s Annual Cinco de Mayo Party
Now for those looking to start their Cinco de Mayo shenanigans a little early, head on over to the Steam Whistle Brewery where they’ll be hosting their annual bash on Friday, May 1, to raise funds for the Ontario Ride To Conquer Cancer in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 day-of. Expect lots of beer, margaritas, and even a few pinatas hanging around. Arribas!
Keep an eye out on this space as we add more to Toronto’s Best Cinqo de Mayo Parties list!
Where will you be celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Toronto? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
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