Cinco de Mayo: Boulder Style

People of Hispanic origin constitute 15% of Boulder’s population and of the nation’s total population—many of them from Mexico—so it’s no surprise Cinco de Mayo is becoming a more and more notable holiday.

Although the holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the U.S. primarily as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

At 3 p.m., Twisted Pine Brewery will be releasing two beers: Holy Mole, a chocolate chili beer, and Ghost Face Killah, which the brewery claims is “the hottest beer in the world.” Specials include $3 chili beers and $3 red beers made with Billy’s Chilies, tomato juice, and hot sauce.

This Cinco de Mayo also happens to be the first Wednesday Farmers Market of the season. The Market, which begins at 4 p.m., is located just next to Central Park, where there will be a Cinco de Mayo event beginning at 5 p.m.  This celebration features a 23-member youth music and dance troupe from Manzanillo, Mexico that will be bringing to life the personality and culture of Mexico. (You can watch video previews of their performance here.) Donations will be accepted to benefit The Children’s Foundation International, a non-profit organization changing the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

Later in the evening, starting at 9 p.m., the Boulder Draft House will also be holding a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring Mono Verde and Quilombo, Latin reggae bands that get everybody up and dancing.

Bars all over town will also be offering drink specials, including the St. Julien and Juanita’s, and Mexican restaurants like the Rio Grande are sure to be abuzz all night long, so join Boulderites in celebrating Mexican heritage with a nice cold margarita. ¡Olé!

[photo courtesy of dbking]