Local businesses offer Cinco de Mayo specials

Crank up the Vincente Fernandez and put on your sombrero. It’s Cinco de Mayo and there will be plenty of celebrations going on.

“We plan to be out on the patio having a reeaaal good time!” said Rosalinda O’hare, owner of Penascos. “We won’t have any mariachis but come over, and I’m sure you’ll hear us singing from the kitchen.”

The original Cinco de Mayo celebration commemorated a battle between Mexican and French forces, but May 5 has become more of a celebration of pride and heritage for the Mexican-American community. It is often mistaken for Mexican Independence day, which is in September. However, like St. Patrick’s Day— the festivities are open to anyone and everyone.

Several businesses will be commemorating the day with specials:

• Penascos will be having drink specials to celebrate. Mexican beers will be 99 cents, and there will also be tequila and margarita specials.
• At Pepe’s in the Maricopa Business Center, ten tacos will be $10.
• The Arena will be having drink specials, and, from 4-7, they will have a free Mexican appetizer buffet in the bar area.
• Raceway Bar and Grill is expecting to do some celebrating with 2 for 1 happy hour cocktails, plus 2 for 1 Mexican specialty plates between the hours of 5-7 p.m..

Families that want to celebrate the holiday with the kids can go to Desert Wind Middle School on Friday evening. The school will be hosting an event with jumpers, bands, face painting, folklorico dancers, and piñatas. Tacos and More will also be there serving food.

For those intent on celebrating by “passing the lime and salt” and still planning to make it to work the next day, Dr. Hilda Flores of Vidal Medical, said,  “For anyone going to drink, remember to first have a designated driver and that it takes an hour for your liver to metabolize each drink. So if you are trying to prevent a hangover, keep that in mind. Also, make sure you eat and drink water. However, as a doctor, I would say the best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink at all. In my medical opinion, I believe that is the best prevention.”

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