This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Sunday, which means festivities in Bangkok will start tonight and run through the rest of the weekend.
First, a quick primer on Cinco de Mayo for those who may be unfamiliar with the celebration. It means “May 5,” the date of Mexico’s historic win against the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated mostly in the state of Puebla.
However, the day has taken on a life of its own in parts of the United States with large Mexican-American populations, with people from all walks of life taking part in parades and parties, listening and dancing to traditional Mexican music and – naturally – consuming as much Mexican food and as many margaritas and/or Coronas as possible. Over the years, this way of celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become popular in more cities around the world, including Bangkok, which has exploded with Mexican eateries in recent years.
Here are some of the places in Bangkok hosting Cinco de Mayo celebrations this year.
Mexicano Restaurante Autentico
The second floor of Rembrandt Hotel will be serving up Mexican comfort food, with drinks starting at THB150 each. Local Latin band El Mariachi Loco and DJ Henry will play for the night.
When: 8pm until late on Friday, May 3
Where: Mexicano Restaurante Autentico, Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Touché Hombre
This cocktail bar and taqueria in Thonglor will be taken over by American-style smokehouse Ash Kickers Briskets & Bourbon for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Chef Colin Stevens will be making slow-cooked meat with Mexican spices and marinades, and there will also be special tequila cocktails. Customers who come wearing a sombrero or poncho will get free shots. DJ Aopsher and DJ Realplayett will take over the deck for music.
Make sure to reserve tickets online. They are THB500 each, including two complimentary drinks.
When: 6pm until late on Saturday, May 4
Where: Touche Hombre, 72 Courtyard community mall, Soi Sukhumvit 55, Wattana, Bangkok
Slanted Taco
This Mexican restaurant near Soi Cowboy is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party with promo deals on both food and drinks. Customers who buy two tacos can get one more for free, while mojitos – flavors come in lychee, watermelon and classic lime – will be priced at THB199 per glass. They’re also hosting an “El Diablo Spicy Burrito Challenge” wherein anyone who can finish 1.5 spicy burritos in 15 minutes will get the burrito for free, and get a meal on the house. They’ll also have piñatas for the kiddos and young-at-heart to bash in.
When: Noon to midnight on Sunday, May 5
Where: Slanted Taco, Soi Sukhumvit 23, Wattana, Bangkok
Havana Social
Havana Social, a speakeasy-inspired Cuban bar, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party — and those of you joining the festivities would be wise to strap on your dancing shoes for this one. This is the kind of place where you’ll want to unleash those fierce Salsa and Bachata moves. The bar will have special pricing on offer on cocktails and tequila shots for the night, too.
When: 6pm until late on Sunday, May 5
Where: Havana Social, Soi Sukhumvit 11, Wattana, Bangkok
Cali-Mex Taqueria Thailand
This Californian-style Mexican restaurant will be serving its usual tacos, burritos and quesadillas, plus a tempting drink deal: frozen margaritas for THB80 per glass all day.
When: Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5
Where: Cali-Mex Taqueria Thailand (running at 3 locations: Soi Sukhumvit 11, Soi Sukhumvit 22 and Holiday Inn Silom)
