Central Florida’s ultimate Cinco de Mayo guide: Where to party and savor authentic Mexican cuisine

Central Florida transforms into a fiesta haven on this day, offering a variety of ways to experience the rich Mexican culture. (Image via Shutterstock).

By Mivette Vega

May 3, 2024

While it doesn’t commemorate Mexican independence (that’s September 16th!), but the battle of Puebla, it’s a day filled with delicious food, festive music, and lively traditions.

Cinco de Mayo is a huge celebration of Mexican culture, becoming more popular every year with people from other cultures joining the celebration.

While it doesn’t commemorate Mexican independence (that’s September 16th!), but the battle of Puebla, it’s a day filled with delicious food, festive music, and lively traditions.

Central Florida transforms into a fiesta haven on this day, offering a variety of ways to experience the rich Mexican culture

These are five places where you can enjoy this celebration:

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar:

11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This popular chain throws a block party across its nine locations! Indulge in mouthwatering tacos, delicious margaritas, and a lively atmosphere perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Find them in locations including Orlando, Boca Ratón, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.

Añejo Cocina Mexicana:

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1035 North Orlando Avenue, Suite 101, Winter Park

Añejo offers a sophisticated take on Mexican cuisine. Here, you’ll find handcrafted margaritas alongside traditional dishes like mole poblano and carne asada.

Pepe’s Cantina:

11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
433 W New England Ave Winter Park

Enjoy Let’s Fiesta Cinco de Mayo with their traditional Mexican cantina. The diverse menu features specialties like carnitas and enchiladas, along with a wide selection of tequilas and Mexican beers. They will also have drink specials such as ⁠$5 Tecate,⁠ $5 House margaritas⁠, and $5 Tequila shots⁠.

5 de Mayo Downtown Orlando:

Starting at 6 p.m.
208 E Colonial Driv

The City of Orlando will celebrate the third edition of this popular fiesta with food, live music, and a magic show.

Baldwin Park Cinco de Mayo:

12 to 6 p.m.
4963 New Broad Street

This free event in Orlando offers a taste of Mexico with local food vendors like Colibrí, live music, and family-friendly activities. You will find handcrafted souvenirs from local vendors and can enjoy cultural performances that will transport you to the heart of Mexico.

Author

Mivette Vega

Mivette Vega is a seasoned journalist and multimedia reporter whose stories center the Latino community. She is passionate about justice, equality, environmental matters, and animals. She is a Salvadorrican—Salvadorian that grew up in Puerto Rico—that has lived in San Juan, Venice, Italy, and Miami.

View all posts

CATEGORIES: THINGS TO DO

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Floridians and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at Floricua has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Florida families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.