Where should you celebrate Cinco De Mayo on the Jersey Shore?
What Is Cinco De Mayo?
The Literal translation is, “Fifth Of May” in Spanish.
According to the Columbus Dispatch: Cinco de Mayo, also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, falls on a Sunday in 2024.
The annual Cinco De Mayo celebration marks the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire.
On May 5, 1862, 2,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 6,000 French soldiers during a battle in Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in East-Central Mexico. Days later, Mexican President Benito Juárez declared May 5 a national holiday.
It’s often confused with Independence Day in Mexico (Día de la Independencia), celebrated on Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo is an important day in Mexico’s history and commemorates Mexican American culture in the United States.
What Else Is Being Celebrated This Weekend?
The Kentucky Derby is May 4th this year, the day before Cinco De Mayo.
People of all colors and cultures will be celebrating all weekend long. Give them an uplifting reason to celebrate and they’ll show up.
People on the Jersey Shore are happy to celebrate even if they’re not Mexican or even if they’re not enthusiasts of horse racing and the first gem in the Triple Crown.
The sale of tequila and bourbon will probably skyrocket with all the Margaritas and Mint Juleps being made by bartenders across the country.
If you want in on the celebration this weekend, there are quite a few places to grab a cocktail and some excellent cultural eats.
If you don’t imbibe, that’s cool, enjoy an authentic Horchata or another non-alcoholic beverage.
Between Monmouth & Ocean Counties, there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and pubs to grab a frozen Margarita or a refreshing Mint Julep.
Tequila or bourbon, your choice.
Let’s take a look at the places and towns that are throwing Cinco De Mayo festivals or serving up great Mexican food for this weekend’s Cinco De Mayo celebration.
El Familiar - 1246 NJ-166, Toms River, NJ 08753
This BYOB place is a no frills restaurant with excellent food. A Columbian-Mexican fusion of vibrant flavors and textures for you to enjoy. This place is family owned and the service is terrific. Located in the Stella Towne Center on 166 in Toms River.
Reyna's - 4057 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753
This BYOB place is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Monmouth County. The portions are huge, the prices are reasonable and the service is beyond friendly. You may have to wait longer than usual for your entree because every incredible dish is cooked to order. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Last time I was there, I had the Scallops & Shrimp Chimichanga – served with sour cream and guacamole and a side of yellow rice and refried beans. It was delicious and so huge, I had to take home leftovers.
