Reno / Tahoe Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Cinco de Mayo is our annual celebration of Mexican American and south-of-the-border Mexican culture. It is not Mexican Independence Day, but a festival commemorating the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. As celebrated today, Cinco de Mayo is mostly a north-of-the-border fiesta, with not much happening down south except in the Mexican state of Puebla. Nevada Hispanic Services has more about the history of Cinco de Mayo.

With a Hispanic population of over 20%, Reno and Sparks have good reason to put on a big Cinco de Mayo bash. The main party is at Victorian Square in Sparks, but there are other celebrations happening around Reno / Tahoe as well.

Cinco de Mayo at Victorian Square in Sparks

This is the big one, a full two days of Cinco de Mayo fiesta fun. Nevada Hispanic Services is putting on this free event, complete with food, entertainment, arts & crafts, and Lucha Libre (Mexican-style wrestling). Musical entertainment will be provided by Ellas Son, Los Pilotos de Guamuchil, Los Pasteles Verdes, and El Felino de Sinaloa. Join the fun at Victorian Square on May 2 and 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Piñatas & Predators at Animal Ark

For Cinco de Mayo with a wild twist, come to Animal Ark near Reno on May 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Watch the animals break open their piñatas; wolves and bears and cheetahs, oh my! Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors, free for kids two and under. Contact Animal Ark for more information.

Annual Chili Cook-Off & Cinco De Mayo Celebration in Virginia City

Cinco de Mayo and the old west come together with this celebration, staged along C Street, the main drag in downtown Virginia City. The party is on Saturday, May 2, starting at 10 a.m. There will be music, mariachis and piñatas for the kids. Check the Virginia City website for additional details. Call the Virginia City Visitor's Center at (775) 847-4386, or the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce at (775) 847-0311.