New Yorkers are proud of the city’s myriad cultures and traditions, taking every chance they can to celebrate the richness of the city’s melting pot. Every March, New Yorkers from all walks of life trade in their business suits and sidewalk coffee for a bright green sweatshirt and a pint of Guinness in Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Once all the green beer is officially drunk and the New York Baseball season is finally underway New Yorkers come together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May.
The Mexican holiday celebrates the victory of Mexican forces over Napolean’s French army in the battle in 1862. As the influx of Mexican-Americans in the United States continues to rise so too does the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Much like St. Patty’s Day has become an excuse for New Yorkers to drink Guinness and eat corned beef, Cinco de Mayo has become an excellent occasion to eat a fresh batch of guacamole or down a Margarita or two. New York Habitat loves New York’s cultural celebrations and has dozens of apartments in New York that will put you in the thick of the lively Cinco de Mayo festivities.
It just so happens that the beginning of May is a wonderful time to be in New York City. The heat and humidity of summer are only a few weeks away and the fields of Central Park are packed with picknickers and school children. As Cinco de Mayo becomes more popular in the city it has become an unofficial start to a long summer of parties and beautiful summer weather. As with any New York celebration, Cinco de Mayo holds its own festive parade.
Usually scheduled for the closest Sunday to the fifth, the parade route follows the west side of Central Park, from 110th street down to 72nd, in the Upper West Side. For most New Yorkers the May 5th celebration is all about drinking and eating a la Mexican. Virtually all of the city’s Mexican restaurants have special promotions or live music performances. Cinco de Mayo is a margarita, nacho, enchilada and music-filled celebration of Mexican culture here in New York City.
Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be going on all over the island of Manhattan making all of the city accommodations within a few steps of the closest Mariachi band or margarita blender. Consider also accommodations in the Upper West Side to fully enjoy the parade. Three of our favorite early May apartments:
-This 1-bedroom vacation rental accommodation in Midtown West-Chelsea(NY-11338) with great views.
-This 1-bedroom apartment rental in Gramercy-Midtown East (NY-14286).
Like St. Patrick’s Dayin New York, Cinco de Mayo is not the most authentic cultural experience. Nevertheless, the Mexican celebration is a bigger event each year and is a not-miss New York experience.
Make sure to eat authentic food and watermelon juice if you don’t drink alcohol. If you haven’t been to New York City parade yet, this is a fun one!
I can’t wait for cinco de Mayo, especially in New york city. defenitely eating some taco y corona
Happy Cinco de Mayo:) I am lucky enough to be in NY this time around, so I am going dancing! I was planning to stay with a friend and have a “homey” experience, but that fell through because her husband took her away on a surprise trip. Next time I will depend on myself and book a vacation rental.
Re Happy Cinco de Mayo! tonight i’ll be staying at the Bronx with a friend, apart from Miami NY is the best place to celebrate cinco de Mayo, I love the Parade!
I love that we get to celebrate and join in the traditions of other cultures here in the U.S. Just like drinking green beer is (semi) synonomous with St. Patrick’s Day, so is drinking Coronas or other Mexican imported beers, and don’t forget eating guacamole. I love this holiday, and although a lot of people believe this to be the Mexican Independence Day, which is actually September 16, it is the day that they celebrate a huge victory in battle, and very important to the culture!
Napoleons French Army? Nopoleon died 5 Mayo 1821. No wonder the French lost, Napoleon was too dead in 1862.