Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Tampa Bay, FL

Check out these spots in Tampa Bay area spots to eat, drink, dance, and even listen to some comedians on the holiday.

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Cinco de Mayo is about much more than some sweet food and beverage deals, but they don’t hurt.

Photo via Taco de Oro Tampa

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Happy (almost) Cinco de Mayo, TBAY.

The holiday honors Mexico’s victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Second Franco-Mexican War didn’t end that day, but the battle became an emblem of resistance against foreign powers.

If you’re celebrating this year, here’s where to eat, drink, and dance in the Big Guava and the Burg — on Cinco de Mayo and throughout the weekend.

Celebrate

Cinco de Mayo Party benefiting Young Angels | Zydeco Brew Werks | Friday, May 5 | 7-11 p.m. | $35-$1,500
Mix it up with some margs, complimentary tequila shots, a taco bar, and fun prizes. The best part? All the proceeds from this event will go directly to Young Angels, a non profit organization that supports TBAY’s older adults.

Santa Fe Sausage Cinco de Mayo Taco Eating Contest | Ferg’s Sports Bar | Friday, May 5 | 6-10 p.m. | Free to watch
Taco Tuesday is now Taco Friday. Watch fellow Tampeños devour as many tacos as possible in under 10 minutes. Have what it takes? Enter here.

Cinco De Mayo “Best of the Best” Comedy Competition | Coastal Creative | Friday, May 5 | 8 p.m. | $10-$150
Listen to nine comedians as they compete for a $750 cash prize and a chance at headlining the first-ever St. Petersburg Comedy Festival next January.

Food + drink specials

No Vacancy: Starting at 12 p.m., grab $3 street tacos, $5 Coronas, and $7 frozen margaritas. If you’re into EDM, Cyber Mousey will be spinning some tracks.

American Social: Indulge in $10 specialty margaritas, $6 Dos Equis Lager drafts, and $30 buckets of Mamitas.

If you’re looking to celebrate Hispanic culture all year ‘round, why not join or donate to a group like Tampa Hispanic Heritage?

Did we miss anything? In a region as big as TBAY, of course we did. Share how you’ll be celebrating.

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The foodie event runs through Saturday, April 13 + features events in Hyde Park Village, Water Street Tampa, and at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.