How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Jersey City
Celebrated across the United States and Mexico, Cinco de mayo dates to 1862, with the Mexican army’s victory against the French in the Battle of Puebla. There are so many fun ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, from supporting your favorite Mexican restaurant, celebrating at home with family & friends, and attending an event in Jersey City. Below, we have listed ways to help you get started on the fun this May 5th!
Events
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on The Hudson – 11 Marin Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07302
If you feel adventurous, you should consider going on the Cinco de Mayo Cruise. From 6-11 PM you can enjoy the NYC skyline with festive decorations, mariachi music, a live DJ, and delicious Mexican cuisine. Click here to get your tickets and for more information.
Support Mexican Restaurants
Gringos – 12 Coles St (Downtown)
If you’re looking to enjoy tacos in a fun atmosphere, Gringos is a great spot. The tacos are inspired by the fusion of ancient techniques bringing the best of Mexican and American cuisines to become one. They also have unique cocktails!
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Taqueria Downtown Jersey City – 236 Grove St
Head on to Taqueria Downtown for authentic Mexican food. They serve tacos, tamales, tortas, flautas, enchiladas, and more!
La Brujería – 590 Grand St
Known for being open 24 hours a day, no matter when you’re craving a taco or enchiladas, La Brujeria is a perfect spot! If you’re looking to get takeout to celebrate at home, this place will not disappoint. And if you love taking photos, don’t forget to pose by the Dia De Los Muertos-style mural outside of the building!
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Los Tres Chilitos – 456 Central Ave, (The Heights)
Located in the Heights, Los Tres Chilitos offers diverse, authentic options from tacos, flautas, enchiladas, etc. Perfect for takeout, and they have indoor seating if you prefer eating there!
Los Cuernos – 499 Washington Blvd (Newport)
Family-owned and operated Mexican restaurants brings you the authentic taste of Mexico! Great place for a fun night. After dinner, enjoy a lovely stroll along the Newport waterfront!
Mezcal Kitchen JC – 665 Newark Ave (Journal Square)
If you’re looking for some excitement, Mezcal Kitchen invites you to Cinco with them with their “Make your own Patron Margarita” event. There will be giveaways and a DJ! So enjoy their authentic Mexican dishes while also making your margarita!
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Mi Mariachi – 213 Sip Ave (Journal Square)
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food in the Journal Square area, head on to Mi Mariachi. Their menu has tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and more! Perfect if you are looking for takeout and enjoying dinner at home for Cinco de Mayo.
Orale Mexican Kitchen – 341 Grove St (Downtown)
Enjoy Mexican cuisine at Orale in Jersey City if you’re looking for a fancier night out. Happy Hour is available all night in the entire restaurant every Thursday, perfect for the Cinco de Mayo celebration!
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Try Mexican-Style Lager
Departed Soles Brewing Company – 150 Bay St #2A
If you’re looking to grab a drink before or after a Mexican restaurant, consider checking out Departed Sole’s Mexican Style Lager! It is brewed with an extra dose of lime peel and Himalayan pink sea salt.
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902 Brewing Co. – 101 Pacific Ave (Bergen-Lafayette)
Another local brewery to enjoy a Mexican-style Lager! Perfect for grabbing a case of beers if you’re attending a Cinco de Mayo party!
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo from Home
Not in a mood to go out but rather stay inside and celebrate Cinco de Mayo? You can get creative and have fun in the comfort of your own home! While enjoying a home-cooked meal or an activity at home, make sure you discuss the history behind Cinco de Mayo and make it an educational experience.
Cook an Authentic Mexican Dish
There are many Mexican authentic dishes you can cook at home, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Check out these recipes to help get you started. From Chilaquiles to making your authentic tacos, you can get creative and enjoy Cinco de Mayo at home with family and friends! Have fun and involve the entire family in the cooking by preparing appetizers, dinner, and dessert.
Host your own Taco night!
Who doesn’t love tacos? Taco night is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo from home. Make various fillings for the tacos and have the toppings ready to start filling those taco shells! Involve the entire family by having each member prepare a different taco filling and or topping. Then, have extra fun by creating three-layered dips and homemade salsa and guacamole to dip your nachos in!
DIY Crafts
If you’re looking for a family activity with the kids, consider making crafts together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. For example, you can make maracas from recycled materials. This will allow your kids to get creative and reuse items they find around the house. Here is a great lesson to get you started on creating maracas at home! And if you feel extra creative, have your kids make their piñata!
Host a family & friends Cinco de Mayo Party
If you enjoy hosting, throwing a Cinco de Mayo Party seems like a great idea! Get creative with adding colorful decorations and maybe bring out the homemade piñata to make it fun for the kids! In addition, you can have fun creating mocktails or cocktails while enjoying festive music!
We hope these ideas make planning your Cinco de Mayo easier! So, how are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Please share your ideas with us!
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
