Celebrate Cinco De Mayo At These Deerfield Restaurants

DEERFIELD, IL — Hundreds of U.S. cities are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, including Deerfield, 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 Deerfield:

• Taco Vida, 469 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield
• Ochoa’s Mexican Grill, 20586 N Milwaukee Ave., Deerfield
• Tlacoyo Mexican Grill, 720 Waukegan Road, Deerfield

Deerfields Bakery, 813 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield, is offering Cinco de Mayo-themed cookies, desserts and more.

Before Cinco de Mayo, a fun event is being offered from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, at the Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm St., Deerfield. Tres de Mayo will include appetizers, spirits, live music, salsa line dancing instruction, and plenty of laughs with your amigos. The cost is $35 for residents/$45 for non-residents, ages 21 and up only.

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