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Free Cinco de Mayo Celebrations that Are Great for Families

Ballet Folklórico de San Juan Capistrano performs at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration. Photo courtesy of San Clemente Outlets
Ballet Folklórico de San Juan Capistrano performs at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration. Photo courtesy of San Clemente Outlets
4/21/19 - By Toby B

First let's set the record straight: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. What the day actually celebrates is an underdog Mexican victory over a French military attack on Puebla, Mexico in 1862. The holiday is mostly observed in Puebla and in Southern California, where there's little mention of the French, but much swinging at piñatas and dancing to mariachis. After all, by the first weekend of May, who needs more excuse than that to revel in the sunshine? Many of the Cinco de Mayo events you'll see advertised are pub crawls, but we've hunted down celebrations the whole family can enjoy.

There are free Cinco de Mayo fests throughout LA and the OC, starting as early as a week before, so get in the spirit to dance, watch parades, and (of course) eat.

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Photo courtesy of Fiesta Broadway
Photo courtesy of Fiesta Broadway

Early Cinco!

Cinco de Mayo Family Day. Photo courtesy of El Pueblo Historical Monument
Cinco de Mayo Family Day. Photo courtesy of El Pueblo Historical Monument

Los Angeles

Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Monterey Park)

Monterey Park, May 5
The City of Monterey Park’s Cinco de Mayo celebration highlights the sights, sounds, and magic of Mexico. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Cahuenga Library)

Silverlake , May 4
The Cahuenga Branch Library presents an all ages celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Families are invited to celebrate this important holiday with crafts, music, snacks, and story-time for children. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Family Day

Downtown, May 5
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a fun and free family day featuring theatrical performances, music, hands-on workshops, and more. Guest performers include DJ Ani & DJ Sol. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

South El Monte, May 3
The South El Monte Community Center holds its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Festivities include live performances and mariachi, as well as a boxing show at 7 pm. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo at the Citadel

East LA, May 4-5
The Citadel celebrates Cinco de Mayo weekend with traditional folklorico performances in Center Court. The 15-minute performances are presented on the hour from 12noon to 3pm.  READ MORE

South Bay

Carson Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Carson, May 4
Carson's Cinco de Mayo Celebration features live music by Banda Vallarta Show, Vilma Diaz y La Sonora, Mariachi Santa Monica, and more. Throughout the event guests can enjoy live entertainment, a kids area, food and vendor booths, a car show and adult beverage garden. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Parade & Celebration (Gardena)

Gardena, May 4
Gardena celebrates Cinco de Mayo with an annual parade and all-day celebration. The Grand Marshal is meteorologist Belen de Leon of NBC4 Today in LA. The Community Grand Marshal is Victor Escobar, a Gardena Valley Lions member. READ MORE

Orange County

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

San Clemente, May 4
Orange County's Spanish Village by the Sea puts on its annual festival celebrating el Cinco de Mayo with plenty of traditional music, food, face painting, and other family entertainment READ MORE

Fiesta de Mayo Celebration

San Clemente, May 4
Mariachis and Ballet Folklorico entertain families at this free event in the Oaktree Court at Outlets at San Clemente. READ MORE

Anaheim 5 de Mayo Fiesta

Anaheim, May 4 - May 5
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated every year at La Palma Park in the City of Anaheim. The fest is filled with live music, dance performances, carnival rides, games, and lots of delicious food. Food and games are cash only. ATMs are available.  READ MORE

Westside

Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade/Festival 2024

Venice, May 4
Venice's Historic Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival celebrates Mexican American Heritage and the city’s cultural diversity. The event is free and family-friendly. READ MORE

Not Free, But Certainly Unique!

Cinco de Doggo

Long Beach, May 5
This Cinco de Mayo fest is for the dogs:  they're invited, as long as they get along well with others*. READ MORE

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