No, Cinco de Mayo isn't Mexico's Independence Day. That falls on Sept. 16 and it's a major celebration that marks the beginning of the country's war for independence.
Cinco de Mayo, on the other hand, is really a minor Mexican holiday, commemorating the defeat of the French army in the Mexican city of Puebla in 1862. The French came back a year later, and took over Mexico City, but they were eventually driven out for good in 1867 with some help from the U.S.
May 5 is more of a regional celebration in Mexico — centered around Puebla, naturally — but it's become a widespread celebration of Mexican culture in the U.S. It's a good excuse to get a jump start on summer and toss back a few cervezas and tequila shots.
Here are some places to grab those beverages, indulge in some tasty south-of-the-border treats or just absorb some Mexican culture.
• Cinco de Mayo With Q100. The radio station will be broadcasting live from the El Azteca in Sandy Springs from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 5. Free. 5925 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-252-7347, 404-497-4700, www.q100atlanta.com.
• Cinco de Mayo Comedy Show. May 5. 8 p.m. $2. Highland Inn, 644 N. Highland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-874-5756, www.crashcomedy.com.
• Virginia Highlands Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Block Party. Four bands will be featuring headliner Justin playing power pop rock covers. Participants may enter the "Smash the Piñata" and "Hot Pepper Eating" contests. 5 p.m. May 5. $5. Limerick Junction Pub, 822 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-874-7147, www.atlantacincodemayo.com.
• Bright Star UMC Cinco de Mayo 5K. Hilly course through the neighborhoods near the church. T-shirts to registered adults. Children's run in the church parking lot. 6 p.m. registration; 6:15 p.m. fun run; 6:30 p.m. 5K. May 5. $25; $20 advance; additional $5 Mexican dinner; Ages 10 and younger free. Bright Star United Methodist Church, 3715 Bright Star Road, Douglasville. 770-949-2555, 678-391-0487, www.brightstarumc.org.
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration With Nacho Daddies. 6 p.m. May 5. No cover. Twisted Taco-Roswell, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-407-7014, www.twistedtaco.com.
• Cinco de Mayo — Let the Party Continue. Buffet of Mexican cuisine, margarita tasting and Mexican coffee. Benefits the American Kidney Fund. 6 p.m. May 6. $60; $50 advance. No Mas Cantina, 180 Walker St., Atlanta. 404-658-1420, www.kidneyfund.org.
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration. 11 a.m. May 9. Free with admission: $11; ages 1 and younger free. Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta. 404-659-5437, www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
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