Cinco de Mayo is a fun and festive holiday and Toledo has several events and restaurants that make sure you celebrate to the fullest. So you don’t go through May 5th without a sombrero on your head or a margarita in your hand, we wanted to highlight a couple of events and Mexican restaurants celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year.
One final word of advice: don’t procrastinate! There are two activities happening the weekend before May 5, which falls on a Thursday this year. So make sure you’re keeping an eye out for these exciting community events! Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Toledo Zoo | Sunday, May 1
Looking for a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the family? Head to the Toledo Zoo for their Cinco de Mayo Celebration. On the Sunday leading up to the holiday, the animals and their zookeeper friends will be throwing quite the party, including live entertainment, a piñata, crafts, and activities! As if the zoo animals aren’t entertainment enough, take in the sweet sounds of authentic Mexican music and dance routines from the following performers and groups. Music with DJ Tony Rios: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. El Corazon de Mexico Folklorico Dance Group: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Music with DJ Tony Rios: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. El Corazon de Mexico Folklorico Dance Group: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. And don’t let the kids miss their opportunity to bat the piñata for tasty treats at 1 p.m.! Catch a glimpse of the festivities at the zoo in years past to see what you can expect: Cinco de Mayo 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk | Sunday, May 1
Before you stuff your face with Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo, get moving at the Cinco de Mayo 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk at Pearson Metropark in Oregon. The race starts and ends at the Pearson Tennis Court Shelter. The gun will go off at the starting line at 10 a.m., and day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. However, you may register in advance for the race online before April 27. 5K registration costs $25 per person and $15 for the 1-mile fun run. The Cinco de Mayo 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk benefits Adelante, Inc., a local non-profit organization with a mission to empower Latinos and the community at-large through supportive services, education, and advocacy for children and families. Your registration and donations play a role in the important mission of Adelante! 
Photos Courtesy of Adelante, Inc.
Cinco Mexican Restaurants in the Toledo Area:
Carmel’s Mexican Restaurant Carmel’s Mexican Restaurant is a wonderful place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, as you dig into one of their authentic Mexican dishes off their menu and sip on a margarita. This locally owned business is inspired by owner Rhoda’s family history with roots in Mexico. She derived some of the basic recipes on the menu from her mother, and added her own interpretation to some to make them truly unique to Carmel’s. 
Photos Courtesy of Carmel's Mexican Restaurant
Cinco de Mayo Amigos Cantina This is one of the best places to spend Cinco de Mayo in Toledo, and not just because the place is called Cinco de Mayo Amigos Cantina. The enormous menu covers just about every Mexican dish you could possibly imagine — from a simple order of guacamole to their El Grande Burrito bursting with steak or chicken and topped with melted Mexican cheese. El Camino Real El Camino Real has some of the best food around and an atmosphere that completes the experience. In case you’re not convinced, take note that they were named the Best Mexican Restaurant in the 2015 Best of Toledo. Their menu is packed with flavor and authentic Mexican dishes, that have been tested and perfected over the years. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area! El Vaquero El Vaquero has been a popular Mexican restaurant in the area since 1993; in fact, they have since expanded to 14 locations throughout Ohio and Michigan. El Vaquero celebrates the tradition of preparing authentic Mexican food the way it was done on the range centuries ago in their bright and contemporary setting. They serve only the freshest meats and seafood, colorful vegetables, and unique spices and sauces, ensuring that each and every dish is an experience in and of itself. 
Photos Courtesy of El Vaquero Restaurant
La Fiesta Maumee Head to La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Maumee for their exciting Cinco de Mayo celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 5 until 2 a.m. on Friday, May 6. There will be live music playing all day, a DJ, a party tent in the parking lot, a beer trailer, shot girls, giveaways, and many margarita and drink specials. La Fiesta is a fun place to be any day of the year, but especially on Cinco de Mayo! Cheers, Toledo!
Where will you be spending Cinco de Mayo in the community? We’d love to know! Save Save