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.
Update: The Dos de Mayo block party in downtown Hartford has been postponed again. See updated details below.
Celebrate Dieciseis de Mayo at a block party on Allyn Street in downtown Hartford on Friday, May 16, from 4 p.m. until last call. Agave Grill, Wood-n-Tap, Pour House and the Palace team up for Hartford's largest Cinco de Mayo celebration... albeit a few days late. The open air party features street food, music and beer tents. For details, call Agave Grill at 860-882-1557.
Crush, the bar and night spot at the Hartford Marriott Downtown (200 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, 860-760-2340), hosts a Cinco de Mayo fiesta on Monday, May 5, 2008 from 5 until 10 p.m. featuring free appetizers, $5 margaritas and mojitos and music by DJ Lucien Grillo. Admission is $10.
The Agave Grill (860-329-0387) at 461 Queen Street in Southington, Connecticut, will offer guests the chance to win trip for two to Hollywood, Florida, on Cinco de Mayo--May 5, 2008. Join 96.5 WTIC FM's Damon Scott and Jeannine Jersey for a live broadcast, plus Coronas on the patio, food and entertainment from 3 p.m. until close.
Wood-n-Tap restaurants in Hartford, Farmington, Southington and Rocky Hill will offer a special Cinco de Mayo menu throughout the month of May, so choose your own ideal evening for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. What's on the menu? Everything from Chicken Tortilla Soup to Fried Ice Cream.
Satisfy your Cinco de Mayo sweet tooth with a pre-holiday visit to the Desserts by David Glass factory store, 1280 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, Connecticut, 860-769-5570. The Hartford area's famous cake maker will host Cinco de Mayo cake tastings Thursday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Deals available during the events include 6" Tres Leches cakes for $9 (regularly $11), 6" Mayan Chocolate Truffle Cake (with a hint of ancho chili and cinnamon) for $8 (regularly $10) and 6" Flan Cheesecake for $9 (regularly $11). Discounted cakes are available while supplies last; cash and checks are accepted for payment.
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