Watch CBS News

Top Cinco de Mayo Parties In Denver

Denver has a huge Latino population and a heritage within Latin America that spans across generations. The celebration of Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5th 1862 – when the underdog Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, defeated the French army. It is an all encompassing celebration in Denver marked by parties, parades and venues observing Mexican culture. Have a look at this guide for five of the best Cinco de Mayo parties and events happening around Denver this year.
Cinco de Mayo
Denver's Cinco de Mayo celebration in 2011 (credit: CBS)

25th Anniversary Cinco de Mayo Festival
East Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-8342
cincodemayodenver.com

Date: Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, 2012
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Come and celebrate the largest two-day Cinco de Mayo festival in the United States at Denver's Civic Center Park. There is no fee to get involved in the fun. Dive into exciting, culturally relevant activities throughout the two days. Experience family-friendly music, artwork, dancing, food and activities throughout the two day festival. Try to park outside of downtown at a park & ride, and take the RTD. It will save you a headache.

Nightlife & Music Cinco de Mayo, Parade
Photo Credit: cincodemayodenver.com

25th Anniversary Cinco de Mayo Festival Parade
Starts at 12th St and Colfax Ave - ends at 13th Ave & Broadway Ave
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-8342
cincodemayodenver.com

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Hours: Parade begins at 10 a.m.  

Watch brightly decorated floats, street performers, heavily modified cars, strolling mariachi and dancers make their way from 12th Street, past the Convention Center and all the way up to 13th Avenue just south of the Civic Center Park. There are some great viewing opportunities along the parade route for a front seat in the action. Grab a spirited bite at Los Pericos Mexican restaurant that rests along Colfax Avenue near the begininning of the route. If you find it a bit too early to dive into a full fledged Mexican meal, grab a coffee to go at the Supreme Bean conveniently located one block farther east on Colfax Avenue. Get there early for the best viewing opportunities, and don't forget to head to the Cinco de Mayo festival at Civic Center Park after for continued fun.

Related: Best Denver Salsa Clubs

Nightlife & Music, Mezcal
Photo Credit: mezcalcolorado.com

Mezcal
3230 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-5219
www.mezcalcolorado.com

Hours (for brunch): Sat and Sun – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Located amongst a sea of Colfax dive bars, Mezcal is a Mexican diamond in the rough (or a smooth shot of tequila in a sea of PBR). Mezcal already has a reputation for excellent food, great music and a festive atmosphere, but on Cinco de Mayo they will ramp up the Latin influence considerably. The tequila menu is enough to keep you busy for an entire visit to Mezcal, and the staff puts an emphasis on educating its customers about the diversity of these agave spirits. Look for unique menu items and specials on Cinco de Mayo for your best option for indulging in the most authentic tastes of the culture in Denver.

Nightlife & Music Cinco de Mayo, Race
Photo Credit: prerace.com

Cinco de Mayo 5K and 15K Run in Highlands Ranch
Recreation Center at Southridge
4800 McArthur Ranch Road
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
(888) 557-4020
prerace.com

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Hours: Start time for the 15K run is 8 a.m. and 5K run is 8:30 a.m.

Looking for a healthy, athletic way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? How about a 5K or 15K run followed by an after-run party? Travel south of Denver to Highlands Ranch, about 15 minutes from South Denver, and don't forget your running shoes. Race-day registration is $40 for the 5K and $45 for the 15K, with pre-race registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Save some money by registering early. This exciting event benefits the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund.

Related: Top Mexican Food In Denver

Nightlife & Music Cinco de Mayo, Casa Caliente
Photo Credit: Casa Caliente via Facebook

Casa Caliente
8800 South Colorado Blvd.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80216
(720) 379-7968
casacalienterestaurant.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Whether you work up an appetite from watching or participating in the 5 or 15K, stop in at Casa Caliente after the race for some refreshments. What better way to embrace Latin culture than with one of the country's authentic drinks? Contrary to the name, Casa Caliente can cool you down with a delicious margarita. Their house margaritas are some of the best around, staying true to the classic ingredients of tequila, lime juice and sour. Keep the cool down going with a couple of festive Del Norte Manana cervezas. Cinco de Mayo is meant to be celebrated with libations so honor this holiday in the right way.


View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.