Why Cinco de Mayo is really a Tex-Mex holiday. And how to find $5 margs in Fort Worth
Q. Why do Texans celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
A. Because some of us can’t pronounce Diez y Seis de Septiembre.
There’s more to it than that, of course.
Two brave Tejanos, Ignacio Zaragoza of Goliad and Porfirio Blanco of Alice, led an army that included 500 Tejano soldiers to help Mexico in its May 5, 1862, victory over the invading French.
Then, in 1989, it was a Texas-based beer distributor and Dallas ad agency that launched the national marketing campaign.
In the ensuing 35 years, Texans have turned Cinco de Mayo into a genuine Tex-Mex holiday, with tequila flowing freely, brisket tacos and mariachi bands everywhere.
Cinco is on Sunday this year, so some restaurants will celebrate Cinco Week.
Here’s a look at a few celebrations:
▪ La Playa Maya in Fort Worth and Hudson Oaks will serve a new chips-and-dips trio with salsa, queso and guacamole for $9.95, plus $5 house margaritas and swirls.
The flagship is at 1540 N. Main St., with other Fort Worth locations near Berry Street and in Ridglea; laplayamaya.com.
▪ Enchiladas Olé in Fort Worth and North Richland Hills will party on Saturday, featuring $5 margarita schooners and $2 beers.
A band or DJ will play Saturday night at the Fort Worth locations, 2418 Forest Park Blvd. and 6473 Camp Bowie Blvd.
It’s known for specialty enchiladas with seven sauces, such as Hatch green chile brisket, mole chicken or ancho chile beef or cheese; enchiladasole.com
▪ Don Artemio Mexican Heritage, the James Beard Award national finalist known for tequilas, steaks and gourmet cabrito, will have music and drink specials.
It’s at 3268 W. Seventh St., a block west of University Drive; 817-470-1439, donartemio.us.
Nearby, the Cultural District is hosting a Cinco festival with free garage parking at the Museum of Science & History, a lowrider show and free exhibits on Mexico’s history and art.
▪ Blue Goose Cantina, with seven regional locations including Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and Grapevine, will serve $5 margaritas beginning at 10 a.m. with brunch.
Mariachis will play at lunch Sunday, and a paleta cart will offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic popsicles.
The main attraction: a pinata party for kids at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at all locations; bluegoosecantina.com.
▪ Blue Mesa Grill serves a Sunday buffet every week, so the Cinco de Mayo buffet will add build-your-own tacos, brunch dishes and chicken-and-waffles.
It’s $28. Margaritas are $5 all weekend. And book now for the Mother’s Day weekend buffets both days May 11-12; 817-332-6372, bluemesagrill.com.
▪ A Fort Worth Taco Week celebration all week includes 36 restaurants serving special tacos and donating a portion of the proceeds to a chosen charity.
It’s a nice list of restaurants, but the operator, a gift catalog publisher, has not provided any menus or information whatsoever; linktr.ee/fortworthtacoweek.
