Top events to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in London 2023

by Viridiana Marin Marin

Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, is Mexico’s Independence Day, but they are wrong! Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrating the Mexican Army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War, and has become a major annual celebration of Mexican culture and heritage outside of Mexico.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a day like any other, it’s not a public holiday, so offices, banks and shops remain open as usual. In contrast, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in a big way in the United States and the rest of the world, especially in areas with a large Mexican population. But what’s Cinco de Mayo and what’s the true meaning of this day?

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in which Mexico defeated the French. It all began when Mexico was financially ruined and President Benito Juárez, a lawyer and member of the indigenous Zapotec tribe, was forced to stop paying debts to European governments.

Cinco de Mayo is an important day in the history of Mexico. It commemorates the day when 2,000 Mexican soldiers, made up of guerrillas and brave Mexicans ready to defend their homeland, under the command of Ignacio Zaragoza, fought 7,000 soldiers of the French army, which hadn’t been defeated for almost 50 years, and won one of the few victories against an invading foreign army. But the victory wasn’t final, as the French army grew stronger again and, under the command of Luis Bonaparte, Napoleon I’s nephew, joined the Mexican conservatives to impose a monarchy.

In June 1864 Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Carlota (both Austrians) arrived in Mexico City to take possession of the newly founded Mexican Empire and were crowned Emperor and Empress of Mexico.

Nevertheless, the Battle of Puebla in Mexico is an important historical event for Mexico and all Mexicans around the world, and the actual celebration of Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to bring together all Mexicans living abroad to remember the courage and unity of their people, and a chance for all to share the real mexican culture and traditions with the rest of the world.

Are you ready for a Cinco de Mayo party? This 2023 there are some Cinco de Mayo events happening in London that you can’t miss.

3 events to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in London in 2023

For all Londoners interested in Mexican culture, this is an opportunity to sample traditional dishes, dance cumbias and sing mariachi. Some of the events take place at different venues around the city and we’ve rounded up some Cinco de Mayo celebrations for you this 2023 in London:

1. Pero sigo siendo el rey – Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Mexican and Latin party sounds headlined by the powerful Son Jarocho group, Chapulines, mixing traditional Mexican music with Caribbean and rumba grooves. Plus Mexican food and much more.

• Where: AMP Studios, SE15 1NL
• When: Fri, May 5th
• Price: From £10 

2. Cinco de mayo fiesta El Pastor – Soho

El Pastor x Tequila Herradura Present: Sonidos, a monthly night of extraordinary tequila and music to make you dance. The festivities at El Pastor Soho will feature a DJ set from Seb Chew, the London based DJ who founded the club night YOYO, which was held in London and New York for over a decade. Distinctly urban in style, Seb’s music combines hip-hop, soul and jungle. There will be a short menu of El Pastor’s heirloom Mexican corn tacos, tostadas, totopos and guacamole, and a list of extraordinary cocktails made with Tequila Herradura, one of the most GOLD awarded tequilas and the creator of both the Reposado and Extra Anejo categories.

• Where: El Pastor Soho, W1F 9UP
• When: Fri, May 5th
• Price: From £20

3. The Tacover 2023

Craving of tacos? The Tacover returns bigger and better for 2023! Fat Boi LDN curates the most exciting taco traders of the moment, accompanied by our freshest beer & family friendly entertainment. Join two days of tacos with family and evening sessions.

• Where: Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, E17 5QJ, UK
• When: Sat, May 6th and Sun, May 7th
• Price: Free and from £13

Follow us on IG as @mexibrits to keep up to date with more events and Happy Cinco de Mayo!