Mexican restaurants around the Valley go all out with fiestas and special meals. At Mesa Southwest Museum, the fun includes ethnic cuisine along with live entertainment, lectures on Mexican history and authentic Mexican crafts. The event starts the Friday evening closest to May 5 and runs through the next day.
Admission is free.
Cinco de Mayo Festival Patriot's Park, Central Ave. The weekend near the fifth of May brings a Mexican-themed street celebration to downtown Phoenix. The live entertainment includes mariachi bands, folklorico dancers and headliner acts from the United States and Mexico. The 1998 lineup included Laura Flores, Yolanda del Rio and Freddy Fender. The celebration, which includes numerous food booths, children's activities, local bands and various contests, usually begins about noon Saturday and Sunday and continues into the late evening.