Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a Mexican holiday that's widely celebrated in the United States, too. South of the border, the holiday commemorates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Here in Hartford, Cinco de Mayo is largely an excuse to drink cerveza (beer) and eat spicy munchies. Here is your guide to places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Greater Hartford area. Keep in mind that not all are holding their events on May 5, which falls on a Monday in 2008.

Thursday, 5/8 Update: The Dos de Mayo block party on Allyn Street in Hartford has been postponed again until Friday, May 16.