Eagle County Restaurants Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Snow-capped mountains give way to vibrant streets in Eagle County as locals prepare for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The sound of mariachi music and smell of traditional Mexican cuisine will fill the air — a stark contrast to the usual ski resort atmosphere. Tomorrow, May 5, marks a significant date in Mexican history, often misunderstood as Mexico's Independence Day.

Make no mistake, May 5 commemorates the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the US, this day has become a celebration of Mexican American culture, with larger cities hosting parades and concerts. Closer to home, Eagle County restaurants are gearing up to serve authentic fare and offer margarita specials.

Agave in Avon is one such establishment, hosting its annual celebration with food and drink specials from 2-6 pm. Their menu features $2.50 crispy tacos, $3 street tacos, and $4 Corona, Pacifico, or Modelo Especial. Pedro the Donkey will make an appearance on the deck at 4 pm, accompanied by two free live music sets. Fiesta's Café and Cantina in Edwards has been serving the Vail Valley for 37 years and invites everyone to join in the festivities. Musica DJ will start spinning tunes at 5 pm, with food and drink specials throughout the day, including giveaways and piñata breaking. Fiesta's has been hosting its celebration since 1989, dubbing it a 'Celebration of Diversity' and promoting unity within the community. Southside Benderz in Avon is offering specials all week long. On Tuesday, they'll have $2 al pastor and ground beef tacos, as well as $2 Pacifico and Modelo drafts. The deals continue throughout the week, with $15 burrito specials on Wednesday and $10 personal-size nachos on Friday. Del Toro Mexican Cuisine in West Vail will host a party, complete with a mariachi band from 6-9 pm.

The short version: Eagle County restaurants are embracing the spirit of the holiday, but it's worth noting that some establishments take a break during the off-season and may be closed. Locals should check with their favorite restaurants to see what deals are available. Folks around here know that this day is not just about food and drink specials, but about the people and traditions that make Eagle County unique. Read that again: this is a community that values diversity and unity, and the celebrations are a chance to come together and celebrate that. The question is, what will the rest of the year bring for this community, and how will they continue to promote and celebrate their diverse heritage?