During the Battle of Puebla, 4000 poorly equipped troops led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defended themselves successfully against 6000 French Army attackers. Victory over the French was declared, May 5th, 1862. And then there was Downtown…
When it comes to cultural events, Cinco De Mayo is huge in the DT. The celebration commemorating that time the Mexican Army kicked a** on the French in the Battle of Puebla still has everybody counting down the days to party.
Here’s DTLA Weekly’s Countdown to Cinco De Mayo 2018!
Thursday, May 3rd.
10. Cumbia at LA Cita Bar – Gooooooaaaaalllllll… Thursday, May 3rd
It’s thepre-Cinco De Mayo kick off at La Cita Bar, Thursday, May 3rd, with club promoters Cumbia Fever and DJ Crew Razon Del Ritmo spinning Pura Cumbia ALL NIGHT long. Then gear up to tackle an all day pachanga with Dj Everest and DJ Paw spinning cumbias, rock en Espanol, norteno, hiphop y mas! Casadores drink specials and free tacos while they last on May 5th. 336 Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013.www.lacitabar.com
9. Eleven Year Anniversary at Seventh Grand – Thursday, May 3rd
So what are we up to? Ten, fifteen, twenty boutique bars, plus a brewery? With so many new hospitality options brought to DTLA by the 213 Hospitality Group, it’s becoming harder to keep track. One thing is for certain, if you visit any of their twenty-plus establishments this Cinco De Mayo you’ll be as happy as a red-bellied iguana. Mejor todavia, you won’t have to wait until Cinco de Mayo to celebrate at Seventh Grand. SG will be celebrating 11 Years of transporting people to another time and space, serving “Greatest Hits” whiskey drinks all day & night on Thursday, May 3rd! www.seventhgrand.com
8. Luna Fest – Thursday, May 3rd
The LUNA Fest is coming to the Downtown Independent Theater. Downtown Indie waives the bandana with its support of independent cinema hosting regular receptions which offer drinks, hors d’oeuvres and intimate space to share reflective moments. Mix and mingle at this short film festival that depicts women’s stories of hope and humor from around the world including a short film directed by Juan Escobedo. Doors open at 6:30 pm with an evening that will conclude with an actor/director Q & A. Tickets available now!!! Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Friday, May 4th
7. Lucha VaVoom! – Friday & Saturday, May 4th and 5th
No holds barred, hands down, Lucha VaVoom is one of DTLAs most risky adventures for adults on Cinco De Mayo. The zany, provocative, takes us to the front lines with a legion of Mexican wrestlers, saucy stripteases, comedians and unexpected turns. The revolution begins with a convoy of low riders dropping off Burlesque dancers who will soon be performing ringside.
Plenty of crowd participation with seasoned comedic hosts, and chances to shout at the top of your lungs, “Lucha Va-Voom” with your friends and fellow event attendees.
Celebrating 15 years, this show’s performances will include Aztec Dancers, Los Masters Plus, and Amanditit along with cult regulars Willie Mack, Dama Fina, Joey Ryan, The Chickens and Dirty Sanchez. Also, special guests appearances from Trixie Light and Aereo Juarez. The show runs from May 4th – May 5th at the historic Mayan Theater. 1038 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.luchavavoom.com
6. HECHO IN LA: TACO MADNESS at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes, Saturday, May 5th
Los Angeles’ first Mexican American museum/cultural center is preparing for their annual “Taco Madness 2018” featuring more bars, tacos, music, and craft brews. This year Jägermeister, Johnny Walker, and Tequila Partida join the taco shell shock of guacamole tasting battles, tasty vegan options, Micheladas, and vibing afro-latino rhythms. This event that starts at 5pm goes until Midnight. 21+ is absolutely free, although purchasing VIP tickets is highly recommended. Brought to the DT by HECHO in LA, LA Taco, AT&T, and XBOX. 501 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. www.lapca.org
5. 100 Beers on Tap at LA BIERGARTEN, Saturday, May 5th
Downtown LA is making the beer halls of Germany green with envy thanks to LA Biergarten which offers over 100 different beers on tap, and over 40 bottled beer selections every day. This is definitely where LA FIESTA meets BEER! To add to the splendor that is CINCO de Mayo, there are wall to wall TV’s showing every sports game known to man. Located on the ground floor of the historic Chapman Building, a 13-story beaux-arts building, constructed in 1912, the two-level LA Biergarten has enough space to host private events and enough beer to satisfy over 200 beer geeks. For Cinco De Mayo, LA Biergarten will be throwing a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta with Happening in DTLA, offering beer pong, tapas, live DJs and Loteria. 750 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.labiergarten.com
Saturday, May 5th
4. Flaming Cinco De Mayo at EL COMPADRE, Saturday, May 5th
Lit the fuze…! El Compadre’s Cinco De Mayo is gonna be lit. Thanks to their flaming margaritas, promo girls and just about every authentic Mexican dish you can think of, South Park sports fans return religiously to watch the games and party with the “GodFather” on Cinco de Mayo, with the bar and tables full of Corona Buckets and sharp tequila shots (on fire). 1248 S Figueroa St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.elcompadredtla.com
3. LA Soccer Club vs. FC Dallas at the new Banc of California Stadium at Expo/USC
Celebrating Cinco De Mayo in the DT just turned up a notch…. to notch 350 million, thanks to the Los Angeles Football Club’s new $350 million home, Banc Of California Stadium. Located just steps from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at the heart of Exposition Park, the new stadium will be offering the taste of… wait for it… wait for it…CHICA’s TACOS!!! Soak up the beers and the energy of Cinco de Mayo with 22,000 roaring fans as LA’s own soccer team takes on FC Dallas and be ready to celebrate yet another historic WIN! www.lafc.com
2. Conga Room Saturday’s, Saturday, May 5th
The Conga Room is everything you would expect from a downtown latin club. It’s tropical cabana meets disco inferno — dark, sweaty and so, so hot. Like, hotter than 600 powdered chilies in your eyes hot…but in a good way.
The music varies from salsa and world-beat to pop and r&b. You will find only the most on-trendy setting DJs at The Conga Room and if you’ve never done the cha-cha before, don’t sweat it. As long as you can unabashedly shake your hips to the beat, you will find yourself among friends. The dress code is classy with a downtown edge. 800 W Olympic Blvd., 90015 www.congaroom.com
1. Cilantro Lime’s 3 Year Anniversary, Saturday, May 5th
Fashion District’s International Food Court on 9th and LA is a tasty hidden gem with enough food varieties to rival any of DTLA’s popular food halls. Fun for the entire family, from Chinese to Meditterean, you’ll find a traditional menu close to home beginning with family owned and operated, Cilantro Lime. Youngest son Leo Matias adds an innovative twist to traditional meals, capturing the taste buds of meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, with his signature burnt cheese quesadillas, vegan Horchata, secret menu and DTLA Famous Carne Asada Fries. Quickly becoming a DTLA favorite, Cilantro Lime will be celebrating 3 years of culinary success with a Cinco De Mayo Carne Asada Fries Eating Contest hosted by LA Foodie and social media influencer, Alexander Orozco @TheFoodHoodie on May 5th from 11am-4pm. 934 S. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.cilantrolime.net
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