If you're looking to chow down on some tacos or enjoy a margarita this weekend, mark your calendar because Saturday is Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo, which means "Fifth of May," is held annually on May 5, marking Mexico's victory during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo represents Mexico's Independence Day, which it does not. Mexico gained independence from Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810. Cinco de Mayo didn't come for another 50-plus years.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Puebla, the city where the battle on May 5, 1862, took place, but largely, the rest of Mexico doesn't celebrate the holiday. But in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become quite a spectacle.
Cinco de Mayo gained widespread attention in the United States during the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and '70s. This social and political movement worked to embrace Chicano identities, combat systemic racism and increase cultural harmony.
For people interested in celebrating Cinco de Mayo around Springfield, the News-Leader compiled a list of more than 10 events and business specials to take advantage of this weekend. This list is not comprehensive. If you are curious whether or not your favorite restaurant or business is hosting a Cinco de Mayo event or specials, contact them ahead of time.
Members Only, The Dirty Saints and Damsel at Abou Ben Adhem Shrine
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, May 3
Where: Abou Ben Adhem Shrine at 601 E. St. Louis St.
For the second year, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party, featuring live music from Members Only, The Dirty Saints and Damsel. Burritos, tacos and margaritas will be available to purchase during the concert. Tickets are available on the Shrine website for $26.
Hooters
When: May 3-5
Where: Hooters at 2010 E. Independence St.
Springfield's Hooters is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long. The restaurant will be serving $5 Dos Equis Big Daddy Drafts and Legendary 'Ritas each day. Folks who join HootClub Rewards will also receive a $5 appetizer.
Catrinas | Modern Mexican
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Catrinas | Modern Mexican at 2925 E. Battlefield Road Suite 105
Catrinas | Modern Mexican restaurant is hosting a day full of deals and festivities for Cinco de Mayo. A Paloma station will be available throughout the day, tequila tasting will be available at 6 p.m. and a new hand-crafted mango margarita will be making its way on the menu. Attendees will have the chance to enter into a $20 raffle for a Premier Tequila collection. Reservations are not required.
El Escondite's grand opening
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: El Escondite at 2528-A S. Campbell Ave.
Springfield's new Mexican eatery, El Escondite, is hosting its grand opening on Cinco de Mayo. The family-friendly spot will serve a variety of drinks, Mexican snacks and offer interactive games. El Escondite is owned by Shanie and Cristian Valdez , owners of El Cafecito on Campbell Avenue.
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Three Moons in Buffalo
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Three Moons at 64 Potters Road in Buffalo
Three Moons, a vineyard and tasting room in Buffalo, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Juan's Street Tacos will be on-site for the afternoon.
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Springfield Art Museum
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111. E. Brookside Drive
The Springfield Art Museum and Grupo Latinoamericano are hosting a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta, featuring Mexican folklore dancing, live music, cultural exhibits, hand-crafted merchandise and food trucks. The event is free to attend.
New Life Church
When: 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 5
Where: New Life Church at 776 W. Farm Road 186
For Cinco de Mayo, New Life Church is serving free tacos for all.
Carrie's Bar
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Carrie's Bar at 1906 E. Meadowmere St.
Carrie's Bar is celebrating Cinco de Mayo big and early, with an $8 margarita bar starting at 10 a.m. A taco food truck will also be on site starting at noon.
OXO Bar & Grill
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: OXO at 2550 S. Campbell Ave. Suite 800
OXO Bar & Grill's Cinco de Mayo festivities will include bottomless mimosas and Micheladas, along with tequila shot specials. DJ Rainer Chalas and DJ Big O will provide live entertainment starting at 8 p.m. Cover is $10 after 8 p.m.
14 Mill Market in Nixa
When: noon Sunday, May 5
Where: 14 Mill Market at 203 E. Mt. Vernon St. in Nixa
14 Mill Market in Nixa is offering $5 margaritas and $5 Palomas for Cinco de Mayo. Not'cho Ordinary Tacos will also be offering specials.
Church of the Harvest's Youth Street Taco Fundraiser in Bolivar
When: 12:15 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Church of the Harvest at 4797 S. 135th St. in Bolivar
Bolivar's Church of the Harvest is hosting a Youth Street Taco Fundraiser, which will help members of the church's youth group go to camp. Taco and drink combos will be available for $15.
Village Meeple Board Game Cafe
When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Village Meeple Board Game Cafe at 1570 E. Battlefield Road Suite F
Village Meeple Board Game Cafe, Moon City Con and 417Gamers are partnering to host an afternoon dedicated to two-player games. Folks are encouraged to come solo or with a partner. Admission is $5 and reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made online .
417 Taphouse
When: 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: 417 Taphouse at 312 E. Pershing St.
For Cinco de Mayo, 417 Taphouse is offering a taco bar, $3 margaritas and other drink specials.
Hy-Vee's Kids in the Kitchen
When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11
Where: Hy-Vee at 1720 W. Battlefield Road
Hy-Vee is celebrating Cinco de Mayo a week later with its Kids in the Kitchen series. Dietitian Audry will be hosting a family-friendly cooking class, teaching participants how to make four different recipes. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $10.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these events, specials around Springfield this weekend
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