Chic Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in SF

While hanging in the park for Cinco de Mayo can be fun if it’s Gramercy in NYC or Belgrave Square in London (aka private, gated ones), Haute Living is here to offer you other, more suitable selections this sunny Cinco de Mayo.

Prior to be bastardized as Cinco de Drinko, the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.  In Spanish, it’s actually El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla and commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín during the first years of the American Civil War.   Enough history, here are a few picks that Haute Living has to live up to this wonderful festival, both rowdy and reserved.  We’ll start with the reserved and go from there.

The Mexican Museum:  From noon until 4PM, head over to Fort Mason for the Mexican Museum’s current Tequila Don Julio Exhibition which shows a recent acquisition of contemporary art to the permanent collection.  Some of the participating  Mexican and Mexican American artists are Francisco Fernández aka TAKA, Julio César Morales; Jorge Rojas and Arturo Ernesto Romo just to name a few.

Giants Game and Dinner at Tres afterwards:  The Giants will be hosting a special Cinco de Mayo game with pre-game festivites in Seals Plaza from 11AM-1PM and they’re giving out ponchos to those with specially marked tickets.  Afterwards head across the street to Tres where they house not only one of the best selections of Tequila but promise mariachi bands, food and drink specials on this very special Mexican celebration.

Mamacita:  With a Bib Gourmand marker alongside accolades as the best Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, you’re going to have a fabulous epicurean night full of hand crafted tamales, tortas, ceviches, enchiladas and tacos.  However the most addictive thing here will be the margaritas, on rocks or gringo style.  They’re opening up extra early at 2PM and staying open until the last chica leaves the place.

Taverna Aventine’s block party:  Featuring Chico Mann performing, LEBO live artwork to the music, DJ Dukes on the decks, Bravo’s Top Chef Ryan Scott with his new Taco Truck and Aventine’s extended familia all in attendance, this sounds like one block party in Jackson Square worth going to.  Party starts at 5PM and ends officially at 11PM on Saturday.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl in the Marina:  Legendary to knock down the brawniest of Marina men, this pub crawl isn’t for the faint of heart.  Sneakers and flats are strongly suggested as the crawl starts at Bar None on Friday 5PM but really starts at noon on Saturday through 9PM.  There’s Dos Equis, Patron and Tecate:  all your favorite Mexicans.  Tickets are available here.