Cinco de May officially commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in 1862. According to History.com, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday in Mexico. In the United States, the day has outgrown its origins to encompass a celebration of Mexican culture.
In greater Washington, D.C., where Latinos comprise about 10-20 percent of the population- 9.9 percent of the District itself, according to the Census Bureau, and 17.9 percent, 15.7 percent, and 18.6 percent in Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland, and Arlington, County, Va., respectively- the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has flowered into a generalized celebration of Latino culture, the District of Columbia noted in announcing last year’s National Cinco de Mayo Festival.
These are some of the notable annual events in and around the national capital with this year’s highlights indicated.
National Cinco de Mayo Festival
For the 22nd year, the National Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on the national Mall. Maru Montero Dance Company, a nonprofit devoted to promoting Latino Culture, hosts the bash which draws a crowd of about 15,000, Montero told the Washington Examiner in 2012. The event consists of musical and dance performance and dance contests representing varied Hispanic cultures, arts and crafts, and piñata games. The festival takes place between 9th and 12th Sts., N.W., on the National Mall from noon until 6 p.m.
Pub Crawl
Pubcrawls.com sponsors a Cinco de Mayo pub crawl among participating DC drinking establishments. Admission costs $10; drinks are sold at discounted prices.
Professionals in the City Celebration
Professionals in the City is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party and celebration at Capitale (1301 K St., N.W.) Saturday, May 3 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Professionals in the city is “socializing and networking organization that offers professionals in major cities an opportunity to unwind, have fun, and meet people who share their interests outside of the workplace.” Advance admission is $10. The event is for members; membership is open to anyone and free.
Latin VIP Happy Hour
Latin VIP’s annual Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour is slated to begin at 5 p.m. at Lima Lounge (1401 K St., N.W.). Latin VIP is devoted to hosting artistic and cultural events highlighting Latin culture.
As Cinco de Mayo gets closer, more celebratory events will likely be announced, so keep an eye on local events listings.
