Cinco de Mayo -- or the fifth of May -- commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War, and families from all over the Dallas area will gather to celebrate Mexican heritage and elements of Mexican culture, such as food, dance and music. This year, the fun continues on the two weekends after the holiday.
See the full list of events at guidelive.com/things-to-do/cinco-de-mayo.
Dallas Cinco de Mayo 2016
There will be colorful floats, live music, dance performances and a car show at this parade and festival on Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff. The event benefits the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts' programs. For the complete schedule of events, visit oakcliffarts.org. May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff. Free. 214-657-4090. Oakcliffarts.org.
Garland Cinco de Mayo
The Garland festival includes vendors, free kids activities, food and performances by local schools and artists, along with folklorico and mariachi dances. A variety of live bands also will perform. May 7 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Garland, 108 N. Sixth St., Garland. Free. 214-734-8197. Cincodemayogarlandtx.com.
Multicultural Cinco de Mayo Festival
Make the rounds at Cinco de Mayo festivals. After Oak Cliff and Garland, hop to this one in Irving. The event includes a health, education and job fair. Nibble on international food. Watch mariachis performances. Get your face painted, take a zumba class and shop the international market. Proceeds from sponsorships go toward ESL, GED, citizenship and computer classes at DCET. The festival and health fair help fund scholarships for Irving High School students and literacy programs at DCET. May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Senter Park Recreation Center, 901 Senter Road, Irving. Free. 972-721-2641. Dcenti.org.
Fort Worth Taco Fest
Visit the other side of the Metroplex to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mexican culture and Latin influence in Fort Worth with a taco in hand. The festival includes food from area restaurants and food trucks in a celebrity-judged competition. Expect live music, theatrical performances, mariachis and beer. Taco sampling will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 from noon to 9 p.m. at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth. $30. 817-698-0700. pantherislandpavilion.com.
Denton Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Cinco on catorce at Denton's 29th annual commemoration of the historic Battle of Puebla, which will feature a parade and festivities at Quakertown Park. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from the Texas Woman's University parking lot at Locust and Oakland streets and ends at the Civic Center parking lot. A variety of entertainment ranging from bands to the Little Miss Cinco de Mayo pageant will take place on two stages in the park. Kids can make and keep traditional Mexican crafts and participate in activities including piñata games. Vendors will offer a variety of foods, drinks, jewelry, crafts and other items. May 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Quakertown Park, 321 E. McKinney St., Denton. Free. dentoncinco.org.
Compiled by Sara Burgos, Nanette Light and staff reports.
