Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Arlington

Cue up the mariachi band — Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching.

The celebration of Mexican heritage this Sunday is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. However, Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a turning point in Mexican history and freedom. 

In the United States, it is celebrated by observing Mexican culture through food, drinks and dancing.

Here's where to go to celebrate in Arlington:

Recommended Restaurants

Capitol City Brewing Co. in Shirlington will be featuring cerveza-influenced cocktails Friday through Monday. The cocktails are the Michelada and El Ayudacal, according to Northern Virginia Magazine. The drinks are $5 each.

Also in Shirlington: Guapo’s at 4028 Campbell Ave.

Northern Virginia Magazine recently gave a thumbs up to Guajillo at 1727 Wilson Blvd. Read the Guajillo review here.

Highly rated on Yelp: The El Chilango food truck, which is frequently near the Clarendon Metro station.  

You may also consider checking out El Ranchero Bar & Grill near Ballston at 4617 Wilson Blvd.

Yelp reviewers give positive reviews to Pedro & Vinny’s Burritos at 2599 Columbia Pike. 

Clarendon's Cinco de Mayo Party

Clarendon will be home to a Cinco de Mayo block party from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Clarendon Grill, Darna, Mad Rose Tavern, Mister Days and SoBe are participating. The festival includes a mariachi band, piñatas, giveaways, raffles for Nationals and Capitals tickets and gift bags.

You can order tickets ahead of time here or swing by Mad Rose Tavern or Darna on Sunday between noon and 3 p.m. to buy tickets.