Your Boston Cinco de Mayo guide

Boston Break out your sombrero and/or luchador mask (or just dress regular, MR. NO FUN!) and prep yourself for a tequila sunrise (or sunset... your choice). It’s Cinco de Mayo and you should celebrate. As much as possible. From mariachi bands to agave-inspired libations, here’s the rundown on Boston's Cinco de Mayo fiestas:

Mija Cantina & tequila Bar

Saturday, May 3rd: Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar hosts their (cleverly titled) bar crawl "1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, Crawl!" through Faneuil Hall on Saturday starting at 12pm. Gain no-cover access to 10+ venues with your stylish wristband, hold on tight to your special event cup, and dive into food and drink specials (i.e. ‘ritas and tacos) all day/night long. Get your tickets here Continue Reading

The Painted Burro

Saturday, May 3rd -- Monday, May 5th: The Painted Burro goes for three days of holiday festivities starting with brunch on Saturday (11am-3pm) and Sunday (10am-3pm), because it’s never too early to start. Wear your finest Mexican headwear (to score a free iced coffee horchata) while noshing classic weekend menu favorites (like El Montanero "Superbeasto" and Chilaquiles). On Sunday, play Lotería (Mexican version of Bingo) at 12:30pm for a chance to win a $25 Painted Burro gift card. For Cinco de Mayo, the bar opens at 4pm (an hour early) -- which is great even if 5pm would have been more on-theme.

Howl at the Moon

Monday, May 5th: Prepare to enjoy yourself enough that no amount of off-key singing bothers you at Howl at the Moon’s aptly named Drinko de Mayo party beginning at 4pm. Their dueling pianos will play Latin-infused jams while you enjoy tasty snacks, beer specials, tequila shots, and the extremely daunting 86oz Mega Margarita (maybe share that...). Cinco costumes are highly encouraged... so you won’t feel like a total gringo. More info here

Beat Hotel

Monday, May 5th: Sister venues The Beehive and Beat Hotel will both be rocking it South-of-the-border-style for this Springtime cultural celebration. At The Beehive’s Cinco de Mayo celebration (open at 5pm, no cover), indulge in Mexican-inspired food specials (apps, drinks, and desserts) as well as cocktails, and listen to Telemundo star Veronica Robles (aka La Mera) and her mariachi band (starting at 8pm). Beat Hotel kicks off their shindig at 4pm (no cover) and also features themed food and drink specials, plus a performance by the impressive nine-piece band Mariachi Internacional (8pm).

Flickr User waywuwei

Monday, May 5th: Head to one of Salvatore’s six locations for La Fiesta a Casa de Salvatore’s with an a la carte menu of dishes and drinks to honor the day. Savory selections include Shrimp Ceviche (shrimp in lime juice with serrano peppers, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes, tostada), Fish Tacos (beer-battered haddock, chipotle crema, pickled slaw), and a Mexican Pulled Pork Torta (adobo-spiced pulled pork, cheese, avocado, soft bun). You deserve a margarita pairing, so try the Margarita Fresca, Blood Orange Margarita, or the Mango Margarita. Yes, please!