!Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

In parts of Mexico, the 5th of May is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Despite being outnumbered two-to-one, the Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army. The battle marked the last time that any European army has invaded a country in the Americas.
Never ones to let an excuse to party slip by, in the United States we celebrate our southern neighbor’s victory over the French with margarita’s, Mexican food, Mexican beer, and music. In West Ashley in particular there are loads of activities from our local Mexican and Mexican-inspired restaurants.
The three more traditional Mexican restaurants in West Ashley (El Dorado, Señor Tequila, and Rio Grande) will be celebrating with food and drink specials, giveaways, and mariachi bands. But it’s the more Tex-Mex-styled 3 Matadors Tequileria and the more SoCal-Mex-styled Mex 1 Coastal Cantina that are really getting into the spirit this year.
3 Matador’s is hosting a five-day Cincopalooza celebrating with live music everyday starting Friday, May 1 and ending on Tuesday, May 5. Everything gets going on Friday, May 1 with live music from Brady Smith and Tristina Miller. Then on Saturday and all-day celebration begins at noon and goes until midnight with music from Friends & Co, Tidal Jive, Equal Rights Reggae Band, and Rawberry Jam. Sunday Urban Roots Reggae Band will take the stage and Monday will feature Calhoun’s Calling. Closing out the festivities on Cinco de Mayo will be Matt Jordan and Eddie Smith. Throughout those five days there will also be raffles, giveaways, cornhole, and more.
Mex 1’s annual Cindo de Mex 1 celebration will take place on Saturday, May 2 with a mix of live music (12-3 p.m.), Malandro Soul (3-6 p.m.), and The Dublates (7-10 p.m.). There will also be a taco eating contest, at 6:30 p.m. capoeira dancers, fire hoopers, raffles, giveaways, and a kids zone.
Even less-Mexican-centric restuarants are geting in the spirit. For example, Manny’s Neighborhood Grille is hosting a Cinco de Manny’s party on Tuesday, May 5 with cinco dollar nachos, 1/2 price cheese and chicken quesadillas, $3 margaritas, buckets 6 Dos Equis, Corona, & Corona Light for $18, and free chips and salsa.
3 Matador’s Tequileria is located at 2447 Ashley River Road. 
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is located at 817 St Andrews Blvd. 
Manny’s Neighborhood Grille is located at 1680 Old Towne Road.