Smoky Mountain Cinco de Mayo Events
Smoky Mountain Cinco de Mayo Events. Cinco de Mayo (which actually means May 5 in Spanish) is always a Smoky Mountain special event and is probably one of the most misunderstood Mexican holidays. Spoiler alert- it is not Mexico’s Independence Day which falls on September 16. This event has become more of an American holiday than a Mexican one and most non-Mexicans have no idea about the day’s history. In this country the date celebrates food, music and ethnic drinks, along with a dash of Mexican culture. For our Southern neighbor, Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is called ‘El Día de la Batalla de Puebla’, which means The Day of the Battle of Pueblo. And, according to Carlos Tortolero, president of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, it was definitely an unexpected victory when the Mexican army defeated French troops who were there to collect on war debts that Mexico was having difficulty repaying to European countries, Throughout centuries Mexico has been invaded by many countries, but Cinco de Mayo celebrates the day Mexico won the battle! So, get your party on, grab some great food and drinks and seek out a Mariachi band. Que vivas durante todos los dias de tu vida (May you continue to live all the days of your life!). Here are some great Cinco de Mayo events for which ever side of the Smokies you will be on!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a weekend-long party dubbed the Cinco de Loco Tequila Crawl and Fiesta!
The party, which begins Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 735 Parkway in Gatlinburg, is scheduled from 7 p.m. til 1 a.m. The fun begins at either Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar or Puckers Sports Bar and Grill, and the crawl ends at Loco Burro Fresh-Mex Cantina. Tickets (which cost $40, and are available at the event) include a keepsake wristband (which also entitles the wearer to special drink prices on Sunday); a shot glass necklace; t-shirt; a shot of tequila at participating restaurants; a house-made margarita at Loco Burro Fresh-Mex Cantina; discounted tequila and margaritas, and a chance to try your luck at the Loco Piñata Bash where a lucky hit could break a piñata filled with cash, drink vouchers, and more. Catch sight of the famous Loco Burro around town- snap a selfie, post to Facebook or Instagram, #Tag Loco Burro, Fresh-Mex Cantina and show it to your server to enjoy a free small queso.
