Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day but marks a critical victory against French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
This David-and-Goliath-like triumph, where the smaller Mexican army overcame the larger French army, significantly bolstered Mexican morale. However, it wasn’t until 1867 that Mexican troops finally vanquished the French. Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo is not really a national holiday in Mexico, and daily life mostly goes on as usual, with some celebrations happening in Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo isn’t the most notable holiday in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo celebrations originated in California to celebrate Mexico’s culture. Here in Salt Lake City, restaurants and bars join in the merriment, enticing customers with special promotions and tantalizing Mexican culinary creations. So grab a margarita or a cerveza and join in!
Park City Culinary Institute Cooking Class
Monday, May 5th at 6:30 pm
Participants learn from award-winning chefs as they master the art of preparing delicious Mexican dishes, such as shredded chicken sopes with a cilantro lime vinaigrette, spanish rice, guacamole and coconut lime flan. Sangria will be offered to guests 21+, while non-alcoholic beverages cater to all attendees. $85 / pp. Get tickets here.
Chile Tepin
Named after the chile-tepin pepper, the only wild chile native to the U.S., Chile-Tepin incorporates this small, pungent, and smoky pepper (rated 8-9 on a scale of 10 for heat) into numerous sauces and dishes. Get the molcajete – which is a volcanic stone basin heated to blazing hot and stuffed full of onions, pepper, cheese, asado, pollo, shrimp, charred green onions, and jalapenos. Served piping hot, this is a dish to share. While you’re at it, get their world-class Paloma cocktail. Oh, and arrive early.
Chile Tepin
307 West 200 South
801-883-9255
La Cevicheria
La Cevicheria was named one of our 24 Best Restaurants in 2024, and it may be where you find me this Cinco de Mayo. This is one of my new favorite downtown joints and has some of the best fish tacos, Mexican-style ceviche, and pulp (octopus). If you do anything, get the octopus. Bonus: you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the tropics
La Cevicheria
123 E 200 S, SLC
801 906-0016
Casa de Tamal
I LOVE tamales. What I don’t love doing is making tamales. That is where Casa de Tamal comes in. If I were you, I’d preorder a bunch now for an at-home Cinco de Mayo celebration if you don’t want to brave the crowds. They have savory flavors Puerco in chile rojo (pork in red chile), pollo in chile verde (chicken in green chile), and queso with jalapeno slices. You can also get sweet tamales like pineapple and strawberry.
Casa de Tamal
2843 S 5600 W, West Valley
385-266-8729
First American Title Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Monday, May 5 from 11:30am-2pm
This free event will have food, drink and live music from a mariachi band! Reserve your spot here.
The Pearl
The Pearl is an innovative cocktail bar serving up authentic Vietnamese fusion cuisine. This Cinco de Mayo, The Pearl is partnering with Tommy’s Tacos to bring you an unforgettable night of food, fun and celebration.
The Pearl
Monday, May 5th from 6pm-11pm
917 200 W, Salt Lake City
Millcreek Common Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Enjoy a vibrant evening of culture, music and fun at Millcreek Common! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lively dancing, family-friendly games and mouthwatering Mexican cuisine such as tacos, tamales, antojitos and refreshing aguas frescas. Experience the energy of the fiesta with live entertainment, giant piñatas and free skating all night long.
Saturday, May 3 from 4pm-10pm
1354 Chambers Ave, Millcreek
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