Cinco de Mayo in Napa Valley promises a plethora of events, but it’s essential to remember the historical significance behind the celebrations. While many mistakenly associate May 5th to Mexican Independence Day, the date actually commemorates Mexico's triumph over France, marking a significant historical milestone that occurred half a century after its independence.
Today, the residents of Puebla, Mexico, commemorate the victory by observing Cinco de Mayo. This holiday is also enthusiastically embraced across the United States, where it serves as a tribute to both the historic battle and the rich tapestry of Mexican culture.
Here in Napa Valley, festivities include parades, mariachi music, and the consumption of countless avocados, often enjoyed in classic dishes like guacamole paired with of course, lots of wine.
Below is a wrap-up of this weekend's festivities.
Una Noche de Mariachi
Date: May 4, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Napa Yard Oxbow Gardens
The local nonprofit, Puertas Abiertas invites you to “Una Noche de Mariachi.”
Celebrate El Cinco de Mayo in style at the live benefit concert with the vibrant sounds of all-female Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán from Jalisco.
All proceeds from ticket sales support Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center.
Puertas Abiertas serves as a model of support and empowerment for the Latin community, offering essential multicultural programs and services that foster and strengthen connections.
Tickets are $110 including refreshments and appetizers. Alcoholic beverages will be sold separately.
Ritmo Latino: Early Cinco De Mayo party at Napa Valley Distillery
Date: May 4, from 8 to 11:45 p.m.
Location: The Hollywood Room at Napa Valley Distillery
Napa Valley Distillery is throwing a Ritmo Latino: Cinco De Mayo Dance Party with Tamayo DJ & DJ Jose Miguel.
Tickets are $15 at www.napadistillery.com.
Bikefest and Arte Pura Low-rider Show
Date: May 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: South Napa Century Center
Bikefest is a free family-friendly community celebration of bicycling.
The event brings together bike enthusiasts from across the Bay Area to celebrate life on two wheels and to help those who are new to riding get started.
It offers the North Bay’s largest bike swap, with dozens of vendors slinging new and used bikes, parts and accessories, as well as live music, food, beer and wine, a kids’ bike rodeo, community and bike industry tables and demos, bike workshops, contests and games for adults and kids and a bike and helmet decorating station.
Bike rides include the MCE Kidical Mass Ride, the NVTA Cinco de Mayo Cultural Heritage Ride led by Napa City Councilmember Bernie Narvaez and a ride through Carneros with Club Ride Napa Valley.
Other attractions are the MCE Ebike Show and the Arte Pura Low-rider Show.
Sign up for the bike rides at www.napabike.org.
El Cinco de Mayo Street Fiesta at La Calenda
Date: May 5, from noon to 6 p.m.
Location: La Calenda
Experience a Cinco de Mayo street fiesta with local wines, face painting, piñatas and mariachi music plus food and drink specials.
Tickets include food and live entertainment.
Tickets are $30 and $15 for children 5 to 12.
Children 4 and under are free.
Cinco de Mayo at The Lincoln
Date: May 5, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: The Lincoln at Ace & Vine
The Lincoln at Ace & Vine will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with three local DJs.
Pre-sale tickets are $15 and include a welcome margarita for adults.
Guests can blend their own Margaritas with Patron's blender bike.
For tickets, visit Eventbrite or reserve by calling 707-699-2276.
El Cinco de Mayo dinner at La Toque
Date: May 5, from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Location: La Toque
La Toque will hold its annual Cinco de Mayo dinner benefiting Puertas Abiertas.
The meal is prepared by the cooking crew members who come from Mexico, and it reflects their heritage but is elevated above the usual Mexican food.
The dinner is $95, and they suggest an additional minimum donation of $100 to Puertas Abiertas.
Call La Toque at 707-257-5157 after donating to Puertas Abiertas.
Online reservations are not available.
Cinco de Mayo at NapaSport Steakhouse
Date: May 5, from noon to 4 p.m.
Location: NapaSport Steakhouse
NapaSport Steakhouse and Sports Lounge will have a Cinco de Mayo patio party with DJ.
Enjoy food and drink specials:
· Chicken/beef/pork tacos, three for $11
· ¼ lb. jalapeño cheeseburgers, $8
· Frozen margarita, lime or strawberry, $10
· Margarita specials, watermelon or spicy cucumber, $10
· Chilled Herradura shots, $8
· Taco Truck Mexican lager and a shot, $12
