Cinco de Mayo Kansas City:
Although many think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, the 5th of May recognizes the victory of Mexican militia over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Independence Day or not, Kansas City, with one of the largest Hispanic and Latino populations in the Midwest, has plenty of celebrating to do. If you're looking to immerse yourself in Hispanic culture, listen to some Tejano, or want to eat some great Mexican fare, Kansas City is the place to be on the 5th of May.
Fiesta in the Heartland (Fiesta '08):
Fiesta in the Heartland at Crown Center is the largest Hispanic festival in the Midwest, boasting a record crowd of over 15,000 at its 2006 Cinco de Mayo celebration.
This free event, located across from the Crown Center shops, brings Latin Music, delicious cuisine from local Hispanic restaurants and even has a kids activity center complete with moon walk. Check out the Fiesta '08 schedule for event times.
Fiesta '08 Crown Center, May 9th-11th, 2008
Azteca Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta :
The Azteca Cinco de Mayo celebrations are about as authentic as they get. Now in its 17th year, the FREE event has moved to Kaw Point Park in KCK. The celebration has everything from Folkloric and Brazilian dancing to Mariachi's playing throughout the park.
Check the Azteca website for complete event information.
Azteca Cinco de Mayo Parade, April 27th, 2008
Azteca Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, May 2th-4th, 2008
Guadalupe Center Cinco de Mayo Festival :
The Guadalupe Center hosts it's 18th annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations May 2nd-4th, 2008. Not only will the center host musical guests 'Picante', 'Crossroads' and have a Mariachi Mass, the celebration will include children’s rides, a dance concert, a cultural art exhibit, Mexican delicacies, and a special performances.
The Guadalupe Center is located at 1015 Avenida Cesar E Chavez on the Westside. Check out their website for complete event details.
Sol de Mayo at Sol Cantina:
The third annual Cinco Celebration at Sol Cantina is hosted by KC's favorite philanthropists, The Bacchus Foundation. The party starts at noon on May 3rd and hits Sol's motto 'Day Drinkers Wanted' right on the head. With live music all day, drink specials and those delish fish tacos, celebrate Cinco at Sol. Head to Sol Cantina's website for further ticket info and all other details.
Cinco de Mayo at Corona Cantina #1:
Nothing sounds better than sipping a few cold Corona's with limes on Cinco de Mayo and you may do just that at Corona Cantina #1 at the Legend's. Cantina #1 celebrates four full days (!) of Cinco with $3 margaritas and $2 Coronas in their laid back Mexica riveria like establishment. Enter to win a free trip to Cancun and continue celebrating. They'll be giving it away 9pm on Monday (be there to win!).Friday (11-2pm), Saturday (11-2pm), Sunday (11-10pm), Monday (11-11pm)
Eating on Southwest Boulevard :
Kansas City is home to hundreds of great Mexican, Latin, and Spanish restaurants with great cuisines. For Cinco de Mayo, you can't go wrong heading downtown to Southwest Boulevard--known to many as 'Little Mexico'. The Boulevard is home to everything from taco joints and Tex-Mex restaurants with great margarita's, to awesome places to get great tapas.
On Cinco de Mayo, these Southwest Boulevard restaurants will be packed-but trust me, it's well worth the wait.
- Margarita's-(2829 SW Blvd). This legendary Mexican establishment boats a big party on the 5th of May. They'll have the Cuervo Girls, cheap buckets of beer, import and beer specials, as well as a free t-shirt making Margarita's the Cinco de Mayo go-to spot.
- Ponak's-(2856 SW Blvd). The party all day, party all night motto lives on at Ponak's on Cinco de Mayo. The taco's aren't too bad either. Expect a huge line, but you can hang around in their bar and drink their famous margaritas for hours.
