Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at these Fall River area restaurants

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching , and with it, time-honored traditions .

The holiday marks the Mexican army's pivotal defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla, during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862.

Today, it’s not only a commemoration of the Mexican army’s historic victory: it has also become a day celebrating Mexican food and culture.

The Fall River food scene offers a wide variety of cultures and cuisines, including Mexican fare that will be just perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

One local restaurant is even making it a weekend-long bash.

Get in on the festivities, and check out these local spots serving up Mexican specialties for Cinco de Mayo:

Tequila Lime Cantina, Fall River

Address : 197 Bank St.

Hours : Tuesday and Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday

Tequila Lime Cantina is celebrating its 11th annual anniversary and Cinco de Mayo Weekend Bash , from Saturday, May 4, to Sunday, May 5.

Fittingly, Tequila Lime Cantina opened 11 years ago on May 5, 2013, just in time for Cinco de Mayo.

The festivities open at 11:30 a.m.

There will be appearances by: DJ Matty O, from Upbeat Entertainment, with over 20 years of experience, on Saturday, May 4, from 7 p.m. to midnight; Lacey Cheryl, on Sunday, May 5, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.; and James Gagne of Shipyard Wreck on Sunday, May 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Plus, there will be prizes, specials, and give-aways.

Parties of four to eight can make reservations at 774-365-4850. Send an email to tequilalimecantina@gmail.com or text 508-612-5406.

“Spice up your Cinco de Mayo with authentic flavors and festive vibes at Tequila Lime Cantina,” owner and general manager Christina Catelli said. “Join us for a fiesta full of delicious food, refreshing drinks, good times, and good vibes.”

Fall River Eats: Pho challenge at Hong Meas; Scottie's Pub golf tournament; brunch buffet

Taqueria El Habanero, Fall River

Address : 60 N. Main St.

Hours : Sunday to Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Taqueria El Habanero might look unassuming from its North Main Street facade, but the menu is packed with flavor. Sample whatever you like best from the offerings of tacos, tostadas, burritos, quesadillas, and other staples. They’ve also got a lengua burrito — that’s tongue — for the more adventurous and discerning foodies out there. You can get breakfast or dessert there too.

Food and fun: We HeART Fall River Festival bringing food trucks, art vendors, entertainment downtown

Origen Bar & Grill, Fall River

Address : 159 S. Main St.

Hours : Friday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed Monday to Thursday

Bring your appetite to Origen Bar & Grill. The menu is wide-ranging and sure to please just about every palette. Nibble on some chicharrones or chorizo, before enjoying some fajitas or carne asada. Or try the birria sandwich: shredded, slow-simmered beef, with lettuce, tomato, onions, and mozzarella cheese, served with birria consome.

Downtown fare: New restaurant bringing Latin American flavors to downtown Fall River

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, Fall River/Somerset

Address : 117 County St., Somerset; 362 S. Main St., Fall River

Hours : Sunday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Family-owned Fiesta has five locations, with ones in Fall River and Somerset. Get things started with some taquitos or tortilla soup. Their super-sized menu includes everything from burritos, to chimichangas, quesadillas, tacos, and more. You can also customize your own Mexican combo. Choose a burrito, quesadilla, taco, enchilada, tostada, or chile relleno. Then choose your filling: shredded chicken, ground beef, pork, cheese, or refried beans. All of these customized combos are served with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side. And you can make it a deluxe, with sour cream and guacamole.

Pancheros Mexican Grill, Somerset

Address : 550 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy.

Hours : Seven days a week, from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This location was the first Pancheros to open in Massachusetts , and the menu features fresh-pressed tortillas. Enjoy standard, hearty fare like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Plus, snack on some blue corn chips with queso, salsa, or guacamole. They’ve also got bowls, with the same flavor profile as their burritos, minus the tortilla. Bowls come with marinated and grilled meats or Tofusada, whole pinto or black beans, rice, cheese, and homemade salsa.

Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com . Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at these Fall River area restaurants