Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. Commonly mistaken as a holiday for Mexican independence (Mexican independence day is actually Sept. 16), Cinco de Mayo celebrates a single victory against the French army on May 5, 1862, in la Batalla de Puebla.
Take part in the holiday by indulging in Mexican culture, music, food and drink.
Here are a few events in Corpus Christi for Cinco de Mayo:
Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration
On May 5, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Westside Business Association's 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration! There will be vendors and food trucks. Free admission for all. With special music from La Kreazion, Hilda Lamas, Kanela Band, descoNosido and JR Reyna. The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. at Heritage Park, 1581 N. Chaparral St. Reserve your spots now by calling 361-881-8105. Visit www.wba-cc.org for more information.
Cinco de Mayo Longboard Pro
Watch hundreds of athletes compete in the Cinco de Mayo Longboard Pro! Longboarding, Stand Up Paddleboard Racing, Beach Horseshoes and Beach Volleyball competitors are coming in from all over the country. Proceeds benefit the James Greer Foundation, which donates thousands of dollars each year to students seeking higher education at local universities. The event is held at four locations: North Packery Channel Jetty, Boathouse Bar & Grill, Texas Surf Museum and the Executive Surf Club. For more information, visit cincodemayopro.com.
Fiesta de la Flor
Although it has nothing at all to do with Cinco de Mayo, the biggest celebration this week in the city will be held at North Bayfront Park from May 6-7. Celebrate the life and legacy of Selena Quintanilla Perez, known to her many admirers as the “Queen of Tejano." Selena’s impact on the hearts & lives of so many has been immeasurable. This annual event serves as a tribute to her as well as the cultural contributions of Tejano music worldwide. The entrance to Fiesta de la Flor will be located near the intersection of Shoreline Blvd and Power Street. Read more about Fiesta de la Flor here.
[image id="19156" title="Mexican Martini for Cinco de Mayo"] Learn to make a Mexican Martini with this simple recipe. Photo by JoAnna KoppIf you would prefer to throw your own fiesta at home, treat your guests with this simple recipe for Mexican martinis:
Ingredients (makes 2 servings; fills one shaker)
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4 ounces tequila
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2 ounces Cointreau liqueur
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4 ounces Sprite
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2 ounces orange juice
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Juice of ½ lime
Fill your shaker halfway with ice and combine the ingredients. Shake it up until the shaker is frosty and pour into a martini glass. Optional: Rim the glass with salt and garnish with olives and a lime wedge.