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Best Ways To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In Sacramento

By Valerie Heimerich

Sacramento is rich with opportunities to eat, drink, dance, play and ride in celebration of Cinco de Mayo; here are a few of the best.

Fiesta en La Calle Cinco de Mayo Festival
Southside Park
2115 6th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 541-6302
www.facebook.com/FiestaEnLaCalle.ConcertSeries

Date: May 6, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Gather friends and family and head to Southside Park for this free annual event. The Fiesta en La Calle Cinco de Mayo Festival is an exuberant celebration of Latino culture, food and music, aimed at bringing together the community and inviting in a diverse audience. There will be a car and bike show, Samba, Aztec & Salsa dancers, artwork, Ballet Folklorico and DJ Omar. Other performers include Funky Latin Orchestra, Latin/urban performers Rey y Kaye, the War/Lowrider tribute band Cisco Kid and the Don Gato Latin Band, playing Salsa, Cha Cha and the Cuban Son.

Related: Best Bars For Frozen Margaritas In Sacramento

Zocalo
1801 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-0303
www.zocalosacramento.com

Zocalo creates truly authentic Mexican food, favorites include the complex flavors of mole and Guanajuato enchiladas, sautéed camarón tacos and the succulent Cochinita pibil plate. Guests can celebrate the holiday with the restaurant's classic signature Paloma or special kinds made with organic caramelized pineapple or passionfruit, and beer lovers will enjoy quaffing El Jefezon Negra and Ocho Reales Imperial Ale with their meal. Margaritas at Zocalo are especially popular; it is hard to choose between the house and Cadillac 'ritas and other versions with ingredients such as pureed blackberries or mango, fresh jalapeno, special tequilas and cucumber or elderflower liqueurs.

Movies about Mexico

There are many entertaining films about or taking place in Mexico that can be watched in the comfort of your own home. "Hecho En Mexico" is a beautiful documentary about iconic performers and musicians, and rockumentary "Gimme The Power" focuses on a band involved in political and social protests. "Frida" actress Salma Heyek was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of flamboyant, controversial artist Frida Kahlo, and other films include "Like Water For Chocolate" and "Y Tu Mamá También". Kids and adults alike will enjoy animated flicks "Coco" and "The Book Of Life".

Cinco de Mayo Run
Harley-Davidson of Sacramento
1000 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 524-4609
www.facebook.com/Annual-Cinco-De-Mayo-Run

Date: May 5, 2018; registration begins at 8:30 a.m., ride starts at 10:30 a.m.

A gorgeous spring day is the perfect time to celebrate with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. After meeting at Harley-Davidson of Sacramento, riders travel down the historic delta on Highway 160, stopping along the way in Rio Vista, Walnut Grove and Locke. Chicano Yank, organizer of 7th Annual Cinco de Mayo Run, is expecting 250 people to participate in the approximately 100-mile run. Registration includes a shirt, raffle ticket and an after-party dinner buffet at Vallejo's Mexican Restaurant in downtown Sacramento. Vallejo's also has a full bar, so bring dinero for cervezas and tequila.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Sacramento Elks Lodge #6
6446 Riverside Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95831
(916) 422-6666
www.elks6.com

Date: May 5, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

When evening arrives this Cinco de Mayo, find your way to the festive celebration hosted by the Sacramento Elks. Mix and mingle with no-host cocktails, Jell-O shooters and tequila shots while enjoying a performance by the talented Mariachi Los Gallos band. Tickets sell out early for the annual event, which includes a full dinner with rice, beans, carnitas and nachos, followed by paletas, refreshing Mexican ice pops. No time for a post-dinner siesta; Latin Touch will be packing the dance floor with their special combination of Salsa, Funk, Old School, Cumbia and Latin Rock.

Related: Best Places To See Local Musicians In Sacramento

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