Que Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Cue the mariachi band music, put on that sombrero, and grab yourself a handful of tortilla chips - Cinco de Mayo is here!

This Saturday marks the celebration of Cinco de Mayo - which translates to “5th of May” - a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, observed in parts of Mexico and the United States.

Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is actually a commemoration of the Battle of Puebla, a hard-won victory by the outnumbered Mexican militia over French forces in 1862, according to History.com.

But here in New Jersey - Cinco de Mayo is a good excuse for some music, dancing and food.  Bars and restaurants throughout our area will be joining in the fun, with live bands, food and drink specials, and parties.  Read on for a few suggestions for where to celebrate, and feel free to add your own ideas to the Comments section.

Señorita’s Mexican Grill - 285 Glenwood Avenue, Bloomfield 973-743-0099  The party goes on all weekend long on the outdoor deck, as well as an outside bar on the parking lot.  There will be a DJ, dancing, giveaways and specials. After 11 pm, the party will move indoors the party room upstairs.  Ole!

Pepper Mexican Grill - 377 N Broad St, Bloomfield (973) 870-8373 - DJ music and decorations.  Come in for a free chicken burrito!

71 Washington St, Bloomfield

973-415-8885 - serving colossal grilled shrimp burritos, sirloin steak fajitas, grilled chicken & spinach quesadillas, chilaquili (Mexican Lasagna with roasted tomatillos), roasted black bean burritos, tequila lime cheesecake, flan or coconut flan, white and dark chocolate bread pudding with spiced caramel sauce. 

Tinga Taqueria- 215 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair  (973) 509-8226 - contests, specials and frozen drinks (bring your own tequila!) all week

Just Jakes - 30 Park Street, Montclair, (973) 655-8987 - Live music from Los Más Valientes starting at 7 p.m.

- 10 Park St, Montclair, 973-746-9005

- 537 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, 973-744-6839

- 18 Grove Ave, Verona, (973) 239-1399

- 372 W Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, 973-992-0001 - party noon to 2 a.m. with a LIVE radio broadcast with WDHA from Noon-4 p.m., games, food, and drinks deep into the night

- 555 Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell, 973-882-8940 - terrific drinks including sangria, margaritas, mojitos and more!

Jose Tejas - 647 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, (973) 808-8201

392 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, 973-228-9555

23 Valley St, South Orange, 973-761-1515

  - 6 Highland Pl Maplewood, 973-763-5150

- 10 Main St, West Orange, 973-736-8869

- 292 Main St, West Orange, 973-324-0656

Chevys Fresh Mex 365 Route 3 East, Clifton, Phone: 973-777-6277

- 100 Broadway Newark, 973-268-1001

- 181 Jefferson St Newark, 973-274-1119

  81 Ferry St Newark, 973-344-7600