Cinco de Mayo in NYC

Although Cinco de Mayo historically marks Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, don't be fooled. The festivities, which celebrate Mexican and Mexican-American heritage, are primarily an American tradition. And as such, you can expect to find many of the types of events Americans love happening across the city this year, including parades, eating contests, and even pub crawls. Here is our guide to some of the best events this weekend and next.The Cinco de Mayo ParadeMay 6 at noonCentral Park West and 110th StreetFew holidays would seem complete in New York City without a parade, and Cinco de Mayo is an occasion for one of the most colorful. March with the floats and the mariachi bands at this annual parade, which travels down Central Park West from 110th Street to 97th Street.The Cinco de Mayo FestivalMay 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.East 116th Street and 3rd AvenueHeld in Spanish Harlem (El Barrio), the Cinco de Mayo festival features the best of authentic Mexican music, dance, food, and culture. Attractions also include pony rides for the kids!The Queens Cinco de Mayo Festival May 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Flushing Meadows-Corona ParkNormally held the first Sunday of May, the Queens Cinco de Mayo Festival will break with tradition this year and take place on May 13. The festival will have a Mother's Day theme, with each mother receiving a rose at the entrance, and big draws will include the cumbia singer Ninel Conde and corridos star Larry Hernandez.Mex Fest on the SeaportMay 5 from noon to 7 p.m.Pier 16 - South Street SeaportNew Yorkers love food trucks, and Mex Fest will gather some of the best together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. You'll find more than 15 trucks offering their best Mexican-themed fare while mariachi music plays. (And if you're feeling brave, you can try to get in on the jalapeno-eating contest!)Cinco de Mayo Pub CrawlMay 5 at noonLet’s be honest, many American holidays seem to exist solely as an excuse for all-day partying, and Cinco de Mayo is definitely not an exception. But this Saturday, instead of jumping on the bandwagon for a ride, why not crawl instead? For a $10 wristband, participants in the Cinco de Mayo pub crawl will receive drink specials on tequila shots, margaritas, and beer at seven participating bars.