Cinco de Mayo: What it is and how you can celebrate in and around Eugene
Temperatures are warming, flowers are sprouting and the month of May has arrived in the Willamette Valley. The season brings longer days and offers time to celebrate new beginnings and victories.
Kicking off the celebratory month of May is Cinco de Mayo. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, here are some events around Eugene to check out in honor of this occasion.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. While some erroneously believe it to be a celebration of Mexican independence, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, a pivotal battle in early Mexican history.
On May 5, 1862, troops successfully defended the Mexican town of Puebla from Napoleon III’s military forces. The victory became a symbol of opposition to foreign control and is largely celebrated in the state of Puebla. A century-and-a-half later, parades and festivities celebrating the date have become common in many places.
Eugene area events celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Nelson's in the Whit
This year, the Whiteaker Neighborhood is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a music and street food event hosted at Nelson’s in the Whit. Patrons can enjoy drink and food specials, particularly birria tacos and margaritas, and will be able to experience live music in the evening to help spread the celebratory spirit.
When: Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Nelson’s in the Whit, 400 Blaid Blvd., Eugene.
Beergarden with Son Melao
The Beergarden is no stranger to hosting celebrations with unique food menus, drink specials and live music available. Cinco de Mayo this year is no different as Beerharden prepares to host plenty of live music this weekend to keep the dancing going. On Saturday, Son Melao, a six-piece salsa band that’s been performing for over 20 years, will take to the stage at 7:30 p.m. to provide Latin dance music bound to get folks on their feet. Sunday’s performance will be from Choro na Cozinha, a quartet that mixes Brazilian music with American Jazz.
When: Both performances, Saturday and Sunday, start at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Beergarden, 777 W. 6th Ave., Eugene.
255 Madison
255 Madison is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Day Party on Sunday. For folks looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but still need to catch an early bedtime for work the next day, this day party from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. provides a great way to enjoy some festivities without staying out too late. Live music will be by Eri and food trucks will be stationed on-site.
When: Sunday, May 5 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 255 Madison Street, Eugene.
Latin dancing
Dark Pine Coffee is hosting a dancing party with Buenas Vibras Latin Dancing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and to encourage dancers of all skill levels to hit the dance floor and learn some new moves. The event begins with a dance lesson to familiarize attendees with the mix of dance types they’ll encounter in the evening, from bachata, salsa, cumbia and more. The cover charge is $5 and a dance partner is not required to attend.
When: Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m.
Where: Dark Pine Coffee, 954 Pearl Street, Eugene.
Fine art and glassblowing
If you’re looking to tap into a creative space, look no further than Studio West Fine Art Gallery and Glassblowing Studio. Glassblowing classes are designed for beginners ages six and older and the studio is hosting three group classes on Saturday for folks to join in on.
When: Group classes are available by appointment on Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Where: Studio West, 84880 Laughlin Road, Eugene.
Downtown exhibitions
Downtown Eugene has been hosting Windowfront Exhibitions since 2020 in an effort to keep the heart of town alive with representations of local artists. The final opportunity to catch these interactive storefront galleries is approaching on May 12 as the program works to secure new, permanent locations for these fixtures. Check out exhibitions like musician and artist Valentina Gonzales’ ‘Celestial Migration’ at 120 W. Broadway, Mobility International USA’s ‘Brilliant & Resilient’ display at 260 W. Broadway, Agnese Celebre’s ‘Forced Perspective’ at 99 W. 10th Ave., Lambtown42’s ‘Liminal’ at 824 Charnelton Street and Alejandro Sarmiento’s ‘Snow Birds’ at 1038 Willamette Street.
When: These empty storefronts are hosting exhibitions for self-guided walking tours until May 12.
Where: Exhibitions span a number of locations all within about five blocks of each other, including 824 Charnelton Street, 120 W. Broadway, 260 W. Broadway, 99 W. 10th Ave. and 1038 Willamette Street.
Hannarose McGuinness is The Register-Guard’s growth and development reporter. Contact her at 541-844-9859 or hmcguinness@registerguard.com
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Cinco de Mayo: What it is and how you can celebrate around Eugene
