Get ready, folks – tonight (Thursday night) is Cinco de Mayo, also known as May 5 to all you gringos out there.
The Mexicans may have successfully ousted the French from their country a little more than 140 years ago, but nobody is going to keep Cinco de Mayo out of Hoboken. It’s like this. St. Patrick’s Day was over a month ago, and Memorial Day isn’t until the end of the month. For people who only indulge their alcoholic urges when they have an excuse, that’s a long period of time – especially in a town that indulges people with two St. Pat’s Days! The Current is providing some background information on Cinco de Mayo, so you can have an airtight excuse to celebrate today. .
“It’s a good way to celebrate Spanish culture,” said Fernando, manager of Lua, a new upscale restaurant near Hoboken’s waterfront. “Many restaurants have Spanish clientele and staff.” .
Lua is hosting its first Cinco de Mayo party. They will have live entertainment in the form of a mariachi band and samba dancers in feathers and beads. margaritas are half price, and bottles of Sol beer, imported from Mexico, and Mexican tapas will be featured. .
So what’s the holiday about?
Cinco de Mayo isn’t, as many people think, Mexican Independence Day. That took place on September 16, 1810. In fact, it’s a much bigger celebration in the U.S. than it is south of the border. Why is this? Way back in 1862, Mexicans successfully ousted the French from their country, ending an occupation that had lasted since the Mexican American war of 1946-48. .
And if there is one thing that Americans are more passionate about than celebrating the independence of some other country that is not their own, it’s celebrating any defeat, humiliation, or bad tidings that befall the French. The final battle was known as the Batalla de Puebla. Major Disla, owner and manager of Baja said that the reason Cinco de Mayo is popular with Americans is because of marketing. .
“Cinco de Mayo is celebrated mostly in the U.S.,” he said. “It’s a commercial holiday, promoted by Jose Cuervo or other liquors. .
Baja is a Mexican restaurant and bar all year round – none of this once-a-year nonsense. They have over 100 types of tequila. For Cinco de Mayo, there will be all the margaritas you can handle, along with other drinks at a discount, along with prizes like T- shirts and keychains. .
“Cinco de Mayo is the last holiday before the summer,” said Disla. “It’s an early kickoff for summer break.” In other words, a reason to go out drinking. .
Decorations for a Mexican-themed party can include red, white, and green flowers, balloons, and streamers for Mexico’s flag. Tin candles, maracas, and piñatas are some of the props one might find. .
All over Washington Street
If you’re in a spring breaky kinda mood, but you can’t decide which Caribbean beach you want to party at, why not try out Bahama Mamas – under new management since last August. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Bahama Mama’s has Happy Hour all night with dollar drafts, $3 frozen drinks, $10 buckets of Corona, $3 Cuervo margaritas, and $3 specialty drinks. There will be a mariachi band starting at 9:30. Black Bear and Whiskey Bar have $3 Cuervo margaritas and a mariachi band starting at 9:30, too.