Cinco de Mayo is one of the busiest taco days of the year in the United States. It is also one of the most misunderstood, so it is worth knowing what you are celebrating before you go looking for specials.
What the day actually marks
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is not Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16. In Mexico the day is observed mainly in Puebla; in the United States it grew into a broader celebration of Mexican-American culture.
How to find real deals near you
- Call the taquería directly. Small kitchens rarely advertise online but often run a special.
- Check social media the week before. Trucks and family restaurants post there first.
- Ask about a plate special rather than a drink special. The food deals tend to be quieter and better value.
- Go early or late. Kitchens are overwhelmed between 6 and 9 p.m., and quality slips.
What to order
Skip the combo platters designed for volume. Order the specialty: pastor if there is a trompo, birria if there is a pot of consomé, cochinita if the kitchen is Yucatecan. Add a house agua fresca instead of a bucket margarita and you will eat far better.
Celebrate somewhere that means it
Chains lean hardest into this day. A family-run taquería is usually cheaper, better, and the money stays in your neighborhood. Use the Taco Scene directory to find one near you and check the community rankings first.
Hosting at home
A taco bar with two proteins, three salsas and good tortillas beats any restaurant wait on May 5. Prep the braise two days ahead, make the salsas the night before, and grill to order.
Be a good guest
Kitchens are slammed. Order clearly, tip well, and be patient. The day is a genuine windfall for small restaurants and worth making pleasant for the people cooking.
