Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend in El Paso with Chiquis, Western Playland, water park

Cinco de Mayo falls on Friday this year, which means El Pasoans will have a whole weekend of celebrations.

It's not Mexico's Independence Day, but it commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces in 1862.

The activities will range from fun family events to events that promote a cause, such as mental health awareness or dog adoptions. Western Playland, which is under new ownership, will add some entertainment, including folklorico dancing on Friday. Socorro and the Lower Valley will get into the fun with some music and a free concert featuring the popular singer Chiquis Rivera.

And we can't forget food and opportunity to indulge in tasty tacos and cold beer. Here are some fun ways to mark the day in and around El Paso.

Cinco de Mayo Mindful Fiesta promotes mental health awareness

In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the city's Department of Public Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of El Paso, Aliviane and the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors are partnering to host a Cinco de Mayo Mindful Fiesta from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Eastwood "Album" Park, 3110 Parkwood St.

The event seeks to create a stigma-free environment focused on the importance of mental health and raise awareness on prioritizing mental health. The event will provide community resources and feature live music, donation-based Lotería, a comedy show, local resources, and more. Residents can participate in games and activities to obtain valuable information during the mental health fair.

The event is free and open to the public. Information: namiep.org/upcoming.

Western Playland offers rides and mariachis

Western Playland will be celebrating with performances by Mariachi Los Arrieros and Ballet Folklorico Cuauhtli, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The park will be open from 6 to 10 p.m.

Pay-one-price admission bracelets, based on height and unlimited ride access, are $27.65 and $18.49, excluding fees. If you're 42 inches or taller, you'll be asked to pay the pricier option, and if you're 34-41 inches, you'll pay $18.49. Admission with no rides is $5.

Chiquis returns to Speaking Rock

Singer Chiquis, who is promoting her latest album, "Abeja Reina," will bring her tour to El Paso with a free concert starting at 6 p.m. Saturday at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center. The album by the daughter of the late Jenni Rivera was nominated for Best Regional Mexican Music Album this year. The concert is 21 years old and up.

Celebrate along the Mission Trail

The new outdoor event center, Cultura District Event Center, will have a Fiesta del Pueblo celebration Saturday featuring Tropicalisimo Apache Nueva Imagen at 10167 Socorro Road. There will tacos and beer available for purchase. The event starts at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $13, plus fees, available online at https://bit.ly/3NqAG5w

El Paso Animal Services plans Adoption Fiesta

El Paso Animal Services will have its Adoption Fiesta from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave.

People will be able to get fee-waived adoptions, free microchips, and enjoy live performances by David Orozco Y Los Precavidos, local vendors, and even a doggy fashion show.

Chapoteo Water Park will have a kermes

El Paso water parks will celebrate their third season opening with a special Cinco de Mayo Kermes on Saturday at Chapoteo Water Park, 1225 Giles Road.

The kermes will be a soft opening, featuring performances by Tribes, Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte, local vendors, games and more leading up to the official start of the season and all water parks opening Memorial Day weekend.

Chapoteo, Oasis, Lost Kingdom and Camp Cohen Water Parks will open Saturday, May 27. The water parks will open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of July. From Aug. 1 through Labor Day weekend, the parks will be open Saturday and Sunday. El Paso residents are encouraged to purchase season passes for entrance to any of the water parks. This year, four tiers of passes are available:

· Super Splash: Admission to all water parks, friend pass, special discounts, free access to all special events and more.

· Raging Rapids: Admission to all water parks, friend pass and special discounts.

· Wavy Waters: Admission to all water parks.

· Tiny Tides: Admission to one park of your choosing, $5 fee to access other water parks.

More: Food blogger returns home to El Paso for visit to sign new cookbook, 'Muy Bueno Fiestas'

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Cinco de Mayo events: Chiquis, Western Playland, water park