Biggest Cinco de Mayo 2023 events in Phoenix this weekend: Lucha libre, concerts and more
Cinco de Mayo is almost here, and Arizonans are gearing up to celebrate with mariachi bands, lucha libre matches, Mexican food and family-friendly activities.
But first, let’s get the facts straight. Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day — that’s Sept. 16.
May 5 — which falls on a Friday in 2023 — actually marks Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza’s ill-equipped forces defeating French troops at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although more of a symbolic victory than a consequential one, years later, France withdrew its efforts to invade Mexican territory.
“For Mexico, it meant a great victory because a little disorganized and poor army was able to defeat one of the most powerful armies in the world at that time,” Magdaleno Manzanárez, vice president of external affairs at Western New Mexico University, told The Arizona Republic.
Here are Cinco de Mayo cultural festivals in metro Phoenix to check out if you want to swerve past the bar crawls and club events.
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Avondale Fiesta
Avondale’s free Cinco de Mayo-inspired festival is back at a new location this year. There will be Mexican food and live performances by groups such as Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and Guitarras Latinas as well as lucha libre matches every half hour.
Other activities include a splash pad, crafts, face painting, ax-throwing and a mechanical bull.
Shuttles to and from the event will run every 30 minutes from 6-10 p.m. between Dennis DeConcini Park in Old Town Avondale and Alamar Park.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Alamar Park, 4155 S. El Mirage Road, Avondale. Free. 623-333-2400, https://www.avondaleaz.gov/fiesta.
La Doña Cinco de Mayo Block Party
There will be a free Cinco de Mayo block party at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center on May 5. The South Mountain Community College mariachi band, a fire spinner and Latin American folk dancers are among the performers, and there will also be vendors, art and food trucks.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 5. Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, 147 E. Adams St., Phoenix. Free. 602-254-9817, https://www.eventbrite.com.
Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández in Phoenix
Fifth-generation mariachi José Hernández and his Grammy-nominated ensemble, Mariachi Sol de México, will return to the Madison Center for the Arts on Friday night to play some of their greatest hits from across their discography.
"José Hernández invites you to enrich your affection for mariachi by experiencing Sol de Mexico’s dynamic energy and rich cultural expression," reads the event description.
Details: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 5. 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. From $28 plus fees. 602-664-7777, https://www.themadison.org/event/mariachi.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
Back for its 30th year, Arizona's largest Cinco de Mayo festival will return to downtown Phoenix on May 7. The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival will have games, prizes, food, drinks, live performances and lucha libre.
Los Lonely Boys, Lakeside and Latin Breed are headlining this year’s event and will take to the stage starting at 5:30 p.m. Local bands will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online for $10 — children 10 years and younger get in free — and VIP options start at $40. Guests who arrive before 5 p.m. can get in for $5 at the door; admission is $10 afterward.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday, May 7. First Avenue and Washington Street in Phoenix. From $5. https://cincophx.com.
Cinco de Mayo Street Fair & Car Show
Old School City’s annual Cinco de Mayo street fair and car show will return to south Phoenix with “some of the most delicious local food vendors,” kid-friendly activities, live performances and a lineup of classic cars.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Old School City, 6062 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-276-6977, https://www.instagram.com/oldschoolcity.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival guide: Everything to expect, including ticket prices and performers
Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Biggest Cinco de Mayo events in Phoenix: Car shows, concerts and more
