Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Baltimore
April 29, 2022May 5th, also known as Cinco de Mayo, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. The war was brought on by French Revolutionary Napoleon III, who attempted to overthrow the Mexican government and establish a French monarchy in its place. Mexico’s President at the time, Benito Juarez, had established that May 5th was a holiday to celebrate the successful resistance of French troops from taking their land.
While the holiday is now commonly celebrated in America by partying, few are aware of the importance of the occasion beyond the surface layer. Cinco de Mayo is not just about having fun, but about remembering the lives lost during the Franco-Mexican War and the brave soldiers who successfully resisted a French invasion.
There are many Cinco de Mayo activities in Baltimore, not too far from your home at Liberty Harbor East, that allow you to celebrate this holiday.
Mexican Restaurants in Baltimore
Honor Cinco de Mayo by visiting some of Baltimore’s best Mexican restaurants:
For a restaurant that is more than just tasty, Maximón, located right here in Harbor East, focuses on respecting and appreciating the cultures that inspired the restaurant. With influence from Mexican and South American cuisine, Maximón offers appetizing plates, including their Marinated Carne Asada - made of poblanos, onions, house made salsa, and pickled onions. Or, if you’re a huge fan of guacamole, be sure to order some from Maximón, as they donate $1 from every guacamole sale to Baltimore’s Hispanic Youth Tech Center to help create opportunities for people in the community. Enjoy your meal in an outdoor courtyard with panoramic views of the Inner Harbor this Cinco de Mayo!
Chilango’s Tequila Bar and Grill in Fells Point is the place to be this Cinco de Mayo. With delicious favorites like Chilango’s Nachos or Chimichangas, your mouth will water in anticipation. Margaritas and Red Sangrias are also popular options, either with or without the meal. Regardless of what you choose, Chilango’s will not leave you feeling disappointed.
Looking for a place to eat for Cinco de Mayo that can meet everyone’s food accommodations? Try Papi’s Tacos in Fells Point, offering authentic Mexican cuisine with Vegan and Gluten-Free options. Whether you decide to order a Baja Burrito Bowl, some Vegan Tostadas, or want to go straight for one of their various Margarita flavors, Papi’s Tacos have you covered. The restaurant offers Brunch, Lunch/Dinner, and a Happy Hour, making this the perfect place to spend any part of your Cinco de Mayo!
Located in Canton, this Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar offers some flavorful finds! Known for their Taco Tuesdays, Bayside Cantina offers more than just tacos and tequila. With savory seafood specials, like Salmon Imperial or Shrimp Ceviche, and tasty drinks, like a Patrón Margarita or a Happy Shot, you can’t go wrong with Bayside Cantina. Their wide variety of offerings makes this place a go-to for all of your friends and family this Cinco de Mayo.
For Mexican food with a twist, Barcocina in Fells Point offers both appetizing food and drinks that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. One of their top menu items combines the best of American and Mexican food into one — the Cheeseburger Taco, composed of ground steak, lettuce, smoked cheddar, tomato, chipotle mayo, and mango “catsup.” Their wide selection of beverages, from a Margarita en Fuego to a Mezcal Blackberry Smash, gives you the freedom to get out of your comfort zone and try something new this holiday!
Blue Agave, located in Federal Hill, makes eating and drinking at their restaurant an experience.
With over 130 tequilas and select crafted cocktails, Blue Agave gives you more than you could ever need. Try their Pambazos Mexicanos, an iconic Mexican City Street Sandwich, made out of chorizo, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and some freshly made sauces to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with authentic Mexican food. Whether you go to eat or drink, Blue Agave will make your experience fun and enjoyable, while providing you with all of the options you could ever hope for!
Serving food deeply rooted in Sinolaun ritual, Clavel’s food is sourced from small producers in Oaxaca and Pueblo, and their bar team is educated on Palenques (mezcal distilleries) in Oaxaca. Try some delectable seafood, like their Aguachile, made with raw butterfield shrimp cured in lime juice with spicy cilantro pepper, or Tamal de Elote Fresco, a freshly ground sweet corn tamale. If you are looking at mouth-watering drinks, there is an abundance of options including a Mezcalita or a Major Ana. Clavel puts a lot of time, dedication, and effort into their restaurant, making it an experience and not just dining.
Cinco de Mayo Events in Baltimore
Want to do something extra special for Cinco de Mayo? Check out these events:
The Maximón is becoming CDMX this Cinco de Mayo! With authentic Mexican food, signature agave spirits, and exciting food presentations available, this will be Baltimore’s biggest Cinco de Mayo party. With an amazing DJ, live entertainment, and a Mariachi band, you will dance the night away while sipping on a margarita. Best of all? It’s just around the corner from your home here at Liberty Harbor East.
Want to learn to make classic Mexican dishes yourself? At Schola, you can join a hands-on cooking class for Cinco de Mayo! Learn how to cook traditional eats like Ceviche, Handmade Corn Tortillas, Chipotle Chicken Tamales, and more. For an event that is both tasty and fun, you will leave ready to impress your friends with your new yummy Mexican cooking skills.
What is a better event for Cinco de Mayo than a tequila tasting? Featuring Lobos 1707, owned by Lebron James, you will not want to miss out on having a taste! A ticket to the event includes not only the tasting, but snacks and a cruise on the water! For a unique experience, Sunset Cruise will make this Cinco de Mayo one to remember.
If you are looking to incorporate fitness into your holiday plans, check out this fun run! Run, or walk, the 1-mile loop with your friends before heading over to Vida Taco for some tacos and margaritas. You can do the loop multiple times, making this event relaxed and a good way to get in some fitness before celebrating!
Happy Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is an incredibly fun night of the year where you can celebrate with food, drinks, and friends. Baltimore has infinite options that bring tasty Mexican food and customs to your own city, making celebrating even easier! Commemorate the Mexican victory this year while enjoying yourself and having fun! Be sure to tag us in your photos, @LibertyHarborEast.