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When people think of Cinco de Mayo in the U.S., they often picture bright decorations, live music, and delicious plates of Mexican food. Reno is no exception. Every year, our guests come through our doors excited to celebrate with tacos, enchiladas, and a whole lot of festive energy. But how many of us actually know the story behind the holiday?
As part of our mission to bring more than just mouthwatering dishes to the table, we're all about sharing a bit of history along with every plate. So let’s dive into where Cinco de Mayo really comes from, what it means on both sides of the border, and how we add our own twist right here in Reno.
One of the biggest myths floating around is that Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico's Independence Day. It doesn't. That day is actually September 16th. Cinco de Mayo honors a different moment in history: the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
During this battle, a smaller, outnumbered Mexican force defeated the powerful French army. It was a major morale booster for the Mexican people, even if it didn’t bring an end to the war. While it's a proud moment in Mexican history, the holiday itself is mostly observed in Puebla and isn’t widely celebrated across the rest of the country.
Here in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a life of its own. Over time, it became a way for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their heritage, culture, and community pride. That eventually spread to larger cities, and now you’ll see it observed nationwide with parades, festivals, and of course, food.
The celebration is less about the battle itself and more about the cultural richness of the Mexican-American experience. It's a chance to share traditions, connect over meals, and enjoy the vibrant blend of history, family, and festivity that makes Mexican culture so beloved.
In Mexico, especially outside of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is a relatively quiet day. It’s not a national holiday and most people go about their normal routines. That contrast shows just how differently traditions can evolve depending on where you are.
From this perspective, the American version of Cinco de Mayo is more of a cultural celebration than a historical one. And honestly, there's something beautiful about that. It’s a reminder that culture is alive—it travels, it transforms, and it finds new meaning in different places.
There’s no better way to connect with culture than through food, and that’s where we come in. Every year, we bring the spirit of the holiday to our guests by serving up plates filled with flavor and heart. Our kitchen buzzes with energy, our guests come in ready to celebrate, and we make sure everyone leaves full and happy.
From sizzling fajitas to mole made just right, the menu comes alive this time of year. Pair that with a festive drink or two, and you've got yourself a perfect Cinco de Mayo in Reno. We don’t just serve food. We create a space where people can come together, celebrate something meaningful, and make memories they want to relive next year.
Plenty of spots in town serve Mexican food in Reno, but we like to think our experience stands out because we truly care about why people walk through our doors. We see families, friends, coworkers, and couples—all looking to enjoy a little bit of culture, even if it’s just for a lunch break or a dinner outing.
Cinco de Mayo gives us the perfect reason to share our story. It's not just about one dish or one day. It's about honoring the flavors and traditions that connect us to something deeper—a shared history, a moment of celebration, a feeling of community.
For those of us working here, the day is personal. It reminds us of home, of family, and of the pride we take in what we do. We're proud to serve recipes that have been passed down, proud to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, and proud to be part of a city that loves to celebrate culture.
Every Cinco de Mayo, we see new faces walk in curious and excited. We see regulars bringing in friends. And we see a dining room filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of energy that makes our jobs so rewarding.
Decorations go up, music gets turned up a notch, and the whole restaurant takes on a party-like atmosphere. It’s more than just dinner—it’s a shared experience. Some guests come for the history, others for the food, and some just want a fun night out. All of those reasons are welcome.
And if you're someone who didn't know much about Cinco de Mayo before reading this, we hope this little history lesson adds some meaning to your next plate of tacos. Because when you eat here, you're not just getting great Mexican food in Reno. You're getting a bite of culture, of story, and of something bigger than all of us.
Every May 5th, our team gears up to make the experience fun, flavorful, and unforgettable. We invite everyone in Reno to come see what it’s all about. Whether you’re here for your first visit or your fiftieth, there's always a seat at the table and something tasty waiting to be served.
The story of Cinco de Mayo deserves to be shared. And we think it tastes even better with salsa.
