It is that time again, dear County Grind readers, when we gather to celebrate the triumphant independence of our neighbors to the south, Mexico. Let us waive that green, red, and white flag and ceremoniously push our lime wedges down our Coronas to toast... Er, wait... It's not Mexico's independence day? OK, well then, it's time to rejoice the Patron Saint of Oaxaca, a joyous celebration when the villagers bring out the clairvoyant toddlers! Um, yeah, no. That's not it either.
Let's be honest with each other, we haven't a clue what the hell Cinco de Mayo is really about, we just want another excuse to get shitfaced! Perhaps it commemorates some Mexican army win over the French in the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. But that sounds way too freaking boring for the shot, shot, shot, shot, shots of tequila good times this holiday is really about.
Give us a sombrero, a bottle of Patron, a freakin' chimichanga! We want a Mariachi band for the love of God! Here are the absolute best Cinco de Mayo parties, including a chihuahua race and plenty of Harleys.
Drinko De Mayo at Flossie's
Flossie's Bar, 3985 Ravenswood Rd., Fort Lauderdale
You are in luck compadre! Cinco de Mayo falls on a Sunday this year, which just so happens to be the best day to visit this biker bar haunt located on a desolate road west of I-95.
Open since 1975, Flossie's brings out the best hogs Broward County has to offer, do not let the leather-clad regulars intimidate you. These ZZ Top lookalikes are softies at heart. Flossie's normally features a live music act each Sunday, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. For May 5, Shovelhead will be gracing the stage. Picture a hybrid of Peter Fonda's character Wyatt, Captain America, in Easy Rider with the Southern Rock bravado of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Additionally, for its Drinko De Mayo event, Flossie's is offering beer bucket and tequila specials, Jell-O shots, and a free Mexican buffet served until 5 p.m.
Roxy's end of SunFest party and Cinco De Mayo celebration
Roxy's, 309 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach
This plush Clematis Street Irish pub is throwing a double banger for its Cinco De Mayo fiesta; celebrating the end of the week-long SunFest festivities and ringing in the Mexican holiday in one big, sloshy shebang.
Energetic new wave troupe the Spazmatics headline here, followed by Roxy's resident DJ, Jar. Tequila and margarita specials are available all night and two-for-one drinks for in the biz people all night long.
Cinco De Mayo Party at the Park, Gulfstream Racing and Casino Park
Gulfstream Park, 901 South Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach
Starting at 4:30 p.m. Mariachis will be ringing in this Cinco De Mayo fiesta in style. Decked out in traditional Charro outfits with mega-sized sombreros on their domes, this troupe of folkloric players will be performing right in the heart of Gulfstream Park, at the walking ring. Across from the band, party people will encounter a re-creation of a Mexican town carnival, replete with hundreds of festival lights, tambourines, and maracas. Plenty of chili pepper-beaded necklaces for all, and photo ops with a life size margarita glass are also available. Is this a party or what? We have yet to even mentioned the mechanical bull. Boom!
Cinco de Mayo Poker Run
American Legion Post 36, 1620 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale
Is there a better way to spend an Americanized Mexican holiday than on your hog, gathering playing cards at random locations? The Poker Run is where you will find all the other bikers missing from Flossie's. Oh yeah, there is one little technicality, this Cinco de Mayo Poker Run takes place on the quarto de Mayo (Saturday,May 4).
Sponsored by American Legion Post 36 and patriotic motorcycle enthusiasts group American Freedom Riders, the ride starts at the veteran's hangout and social club, Post 36, at 4 p.m. The first hogs are set to get out at 5 p.m., the fee is $15 per hand. Participants are given a card at each of the four participating venues. The poker stops will be announced at the American Legion. There will be prizes for the best and worst hand. The fee includes a buffet dinner as well.
Cinco de Mayo at Tequila Ranch
Tequila Ranch, 5760 Seminole Way, Hollywood.
When in doubt, you know you can always depend on? The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino providing boisterous good times. Inside the larger-than-life complex exists a multitude of clubs and bars that effuse reliable revelry. However, on this high holy tequila day on the Fifth of May, there is but one locale that will be the epicenter of the party: Tequila Ranch.
Festivities start early at 2 and end at 10 p.m.; Tequila Ranch will be hosting a live broadcast from Miami's party station, Power 96. Enjoy free giveaways, contests, and live entertainment at what is being touted as one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo bashes in South Florida. Look out for the two-for-ones on Corona's, Patron margaritas, and Patron Silver shots too. Tequila Ranch has brought back its notorious bull.
Cinco De Mayo at Rocco's Tacos
Rocco's Tacos, at 1313 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, and 5250 Town Center Cir., Boca Raton
Another spot to count on for Cinco De Mayo's debauchery is Rocco's Tacos. Its proprietor Rocco Mangel has built a taco empire in South Florida for a reason: All four of his locales are proven lighting rods of merriment.
Starting first in West Palm Beach, then branching out to Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and now Palm Beach Gardens, his restaurants have built a reputation not only for their fantastic party-time vibes but also for their fresh guacamole (that's made in front of your face) and a vast array of tequila.
Of the four, the Fort Lauderdale location has the best musical amusement on the Cinco, featuring the descarga funk of Miami troupe Suenalo. Boca Raton is not far behind with the genre-skipping madness of the Edge (no relation to U2 guitarist). The Pancho Villa mariachi band will visit each restaurant. Expect multiple DJs, prize giveaways, and free tequila pourings at every spot.
Uncle Julio's Mizner Park Street Party
Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food, 449 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
This upscale Mexican food establishment in the north end of Boca Raton's Mizner Park is sectioning off its end of the street and transforming this ritzy shopping plaza into a Mexican street party. Replete with all the fixings too, including a Mariachi band, DJ, taco stand, frijoles, photo booth, outdoor bars, and family activities like face painting, scheduled all day.
The festival will encompass Uncle Julio's patio and the adjacent North Plaza Real at Mizner Park. DJ Fono of Roundabout Records will perform from 2 until 11 p.m. with salsa and merengue hip shakers.
"We are taking Cinco de Mayo to a new level this year," said Scott Browne, general manager of Uncle Julio's Boca Raton. "The event will have something for everyone and will be the biggest Cinco de Mayo party in Boca's history." Wow! Them's some pretty big words Mr. Browne. We can only hope that you can live up to those expectations.
The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at The Manor
The Manor, 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Self-described as a one stop gay party shop, the Manor in Wilton Manners is not exaggerating. It is a classy tavern, upscale nightclub, martini bar and banquet hall all under one roof. It's not just a gay bar, by any stretch of the imagination, people of all sexual orientations are welcome.
Rest assured that the Manor will be throwing the most fabulous party of them all this May. Although it's yet another event that's taking place on el Quarto no Cinco De Mayo (May 4), this fiesta at Wilton Manor's lounge will be no less sassy, colorful, and full of men wearing tighty whites. Yeah, there is a fashion show where male models will be wearing only their skivvies and strutting their stuff. The jamboree begins in the Noche Latina Room at 10:30 p.m. Drink specials include 3 buck Long Island ice teas from 10:30 p.m. until midnight.
7th Annual Cinco De Mayo Chihuahua Races
7th Annual Cinco-De-Mayo Chihuahua Races, May 4. Until 5 p.m., Delray Beach Old School Square.
One phrase, "Yo Quiero Taco Bell," thrust the Mexican miniature breed, the Chihuahua into the mainstream limelight years ago. Was this tiny dog ready for the loss of privacy that comes with such fame? Given that we haven't seen any Chihuahuas in rehab with Lindsey Lohan, we think the little beasts are handling it well.
Perhaps no other animal is more associated with Mexican culture that the Chihuahua is. That's why missing this 7th annual racing of the breed in Delray Beach would be such a shame. Seriously, when was the last time you saw a well-contested Chihuahua race? We didn't think so. These pint-size fidos will be running their hearts out for first, second, and third place trophies. Registration fee is $15.
There will be one free Cinco de Mayo event admission with each dog registration. All other persons in your party must pay the $10.
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