By Judith Salkin
As you get ready for Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, remember it’s the Battle of Puebla and
not Mexico’s Independence Day that you’re celebrating. “El Dia de la Battalla de Puebla” is the
commemoration of the 1862 victory of the outnumbered Mexican forces over the better armed and
manned French forces in the city of Puebla.
But enough of the history lesson. Like a lot of holidays, Cinco de Mayo has become a reason for
a party. And there’s a fair amount of partying to do.
From Gabriel Iglesias’ yearly sojourn to a local casino to keep us all laughing, the inaugural 5k
run/walk in the city of Coachella or dinner at one of the valley’s Mexican restaurants, there are plenty of
ways to get into the Cinco de Mayo groove.
While we’re sure there are more events going on in the valley to celebrate Cinco de Mayo,
we’ve gathered a list of places that are adding to the holiday fun.
Concerts:
Pepe Aguilar
8 p.m. Saturday, May 4; $39 to &79
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
(760) 342-5000; fantasyspringsresort.com
Aguilar is a five time Grammy nominee and a master at blending traditional mariachi with contemporary
pop music.
Gabriel Iglesias
6 p.m. Sunday, May 5; $45 to $75
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32500 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
(888) 999-1995; hotwatercasino.com
There were only scattered single seats available to see Fluffy, but if you’re a fan of Iglesias’ comedy,
you’re never alone in his crowd.
Events:
Desert Hot Springs Salsa Festival
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4; free admission
Pierson Boulevard west of Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
salsablast.com
It’s the inaugural event for this “everything salsa” festival, including spicy food, hot music and The Great
Salsa Taste Challenge.
Spotlight 29 Casino Cinco de Mayo weekend
Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5
Spotlight 29 Casino 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella
(760) 775-5566; spotlight29.com
21 and older
The weekend includes screening of the Floyd Mayweather-Robert Guerrero fight in Blu Bar, the Groove
or the Hot Spot; a concert with comic JoJo Jorge Falcon at 8 p.m. Saturday ($25); strolling mariachis in
the casino starting at 9 p.m. Saturday; and an all-day happy hour on Sunday.
Inaugural Cinco de Mayo 5k Run/Walk
8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, May 5 adults, $10; children, $5
Coachella Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; adults, $11.54
Veterans Park, 1515 Sixth Street, Coachella
760-501-8100; Coachella.org
If you’re planning on pounding the pavement in Coachella’s Inaugural 5k, it’s suggested that you get
to the park early to register. After the race stick around for the all-day fun of food, music and other
entertaining fun at the park.
Restaurants:
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 4 and 5
Don Diego’s, 74969 Highway 111, Indian Wells
(760) 340-5588; dondiegosrestaurant.com
Live music, contests, $1 tacos and margarita specials.
Tequila Tasting
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5
Guillermo’s Restaurante, 72850 El Paseo, Palm Desert
(760) 341-0980; guillermosrestaurante.com
If tequila is your drink of choice (it’s mine), get ready to make your head spin. Guillermo’s offers 300 —
that’s 3-0-0 — different bottles of blanca, reposada, anejo and super anejos in the bar. But pace yourself,
there are 364 more days until next Cinco de Mayo to find your favorite.
Las Casuelas Terraza Cinco de Mayo Celebration
4:30 p.m. to close
222 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
(760) 325-2794; lascasuelas.com
There will be lots of music, entertainment and giveaways at the big Las Casuelas in Palm Springs.
