Celebrate Cinco De Mayo At These Arlington Heights Restaurants

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Hundreds of U.S. cities are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, including Arlington Heights, as a nod to Mexican culture and heritage. Did you know the May 5 holiday is distinctly American?

Cinco de Mayo observes the date of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated Napoleon III’s powerful French troops, who were occupying the area seeking unpaid debts. A common misconception confuses the holiday with Mexican Independence Day, or El Día de la Independencia, which is Sept. 16.

The holiday was popularized as a U.S. celebration by Latinos in California and the Pacific Northwest who, upon learning of the Battle of Puebla, formed organizations that raised money for Mexican troops.

If you're looking to dine in or get some take-out Sunday, here are a few Mexican restaurants in Arlington Heights:

• Mago Grill & Cantina, 115 W Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Music, mariachis, margaritas and more Thursday through Sunday.
• Javier's Sabor Mexicano & Agave Bar, 8 W Miner St., Arlington Heights
• Salsa 17, 17 W Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The annual chihuahua race returns from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday. Find out more here.
• Taco Town Mexican Grill, 1729 E Central Road, Arlington Heights.
• Crazy Quesadilla Mexican Restaurant, 644 E Golf Road, Arlington Heights

If you want to check out some live music Sunday in Arlington Heights, head on over to Hey Nonny, 10 Vail Ave., for Rico!, a Santana tribute band. Find tickets here for this Cinco de Mayo celebration that starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Chicano Movement of the 1970s raised the profile of Cinco de Mayo, using the David vs. Goliath storyline of more than 100 years prior as emblematic of the struggles of Mexican Americans in the Southwest to overcome institutional racism, create cultural harmony, and gain equality in labor and politics.

Cinco de Mayo as many Americans today know it is a drinking day to knock back a few tequila shots. Parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods are also a big part of today’s Cinco de Mayo festivals.

RELATED: 5 Things To Know About Cinco De Mayo, A Minor Holiday In Mexico