Where to Party This Cinco de Mayo in South Florida

Quick history lesson: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That day — our southern neighbor's most important holiday — falls on September 16.

This year, let's skip some of the more questionable styles of Mexican cultural appropriation and join in celebrating the day in 1862 when the Mexican army beat the French forces at the Battle of Puebla with a proper toast (or three). It wasn't a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, but it did represent a significant morale boost for the Mexican people and its army.

Here are ten South Florida establishments where flowing margaritas, tacos, and festive music will help set the party mood this Cinco de Mayo.

Agave Taco Bar
This new outpost off of Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live body art, mariachi, a DJ, and special photo opps starting at 6 p.m. Food specials include a $5 Monterrey sampler plate and happy hour features 2-for-1 margaritas.

America's Backyard
The spring-breaker paradise that is America's Backyard has teamed up with Corona Extra USA for a massive outdoor Cinco De Mayo party in Fort Lauderdale. Kicking off at 8 p.m., specials include $4 Corona, $5 Cuervo, tacos, a Corona "chugging contest," and a live mariachi band. $500 goes to the most festive sombrero.

American Social
Kicking off at 5 p.m., $7 Herruda Tequila drinks and margaritas and $5 Dos Equis — plus a bustling happy hour crowd of stylish young pros — make American Social on Las Olas a solid option for celebrating this Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo Street Festival
The annual Himmarshee Street Downtown Fiesta starts at 4 p.m., when Tarpon Bend, Tacocraft, and ROK:BRGR join forces to serve up taco and drink specials, live music, and giveaways.

Funky Buddha Brewery
South Florida's granddaddy of craft beer brewing invites you to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a taco and cerveza special from Craft Food Counter and Kitchen for just $10. From 5 to 10 p.m., choose your tacos from their in-house Craft Food Counter & Kitchen and get a special token for a glass of one of Funky Buddha's flagship beers. Eligible drafts include On Top Blonde, Fuhgeddaboudit Red, Floridian, Hop Gun, OP Porter, and Crusher.