Texas Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Towns Celebrate Mexico's Favorite Holiday Across the Lone Star State

Because Texas was once part of Mexico, the state has a long-standing Mexican heritage and follows many Mexican traditions, including celebrating the popular Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo. Although many people believe this is strictly a border-region phenomenon, towns across the state hold festivals to celebrate Mexico's most famous military victory.

In San Marcos, the Viva! Cinco de Mayo festival features a statewide Menudo cook-off, a parade, Miss Cinco de Mayo pageant, folklorico dance performances and more. This year's Viva! Cinco de Mayo festival is set for May 1-2, 2009.

The Capitol City will also be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with the Cinco de Mayo 5K run on May 2 and several other celebrations throughout Austin.

Of course, perhaps no other town in Texas is as closely linked to the state's Mexican heritage as San Antonio. This year, the Alamo City has a variety of celebrations for Cinco de Mayo slated to be held at historic Market Square May 2-4.

These are but a few of the Cinco de Mayo festivals scheduled for 2009. However, no matter where you find yourself in the Lone Star State near May 5, it's a safe bet there will be a celebration nearby.