The annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on 5 May 1862. The holiday has evolved over the years into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and here is where you can participate in the UAE.
Copala
Dust off your sombrero and fiesta your way to Copala in DIFC this Cinco de Mayo. The colourful homegrown restaurant will offer an authentic taste of Mexico with a special set menu featuring Salbute de pato al pibil (hand-made tortillas filled with black beans, pulled duck, pickled red onion and Mexican avocado), Barbacoa de pollo (chicken barbacoa wrapped in maguey leaves and cooked for 24hrs and served with spaghetti in criolla sauce) and Flan de elote (Mexican flan drenched in goat-milk caramel). Available on Thursday 5 May, from 12pm. AED 149 per person.
GO: Email hola@copalarestaurant.com or call 04 878 5747 for reservations and more information.
DESEO
ME Dubai’s Latin-America restaurant celebrates Cinco De Mayo with an offering that is sure to create a truly Mexican experience. Head to the venue’s lush green patio and enjoy Latin American aperitivo bites, including six taquitos, a side portion of guacamole and tortilla chips and a cocktail pitcher in a vibrant setting amidst the celebrations. Available until Sunday 15 May, from 6pm. AED 195 per person.
GO: Email deseo.me.dubai@melia.com or call 04 525 2536 for reservations and more information.
El Chapo’s Tacos
El Chapo’s at Studio One Hotel welcomes guests to enjoy a feast of traditional Mexican flavours as part of their Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The authentic food includes two hours of unlimited tacos and selected beverages. Thursday 5 May, from 4pm to midnight.
GO: Call 04 514 5411 for reservations and more information.
Hotel Cartagena
Enter into the fun and exuberant urban jungle environment with oversized birdcages, towering tropical plants and hanging lanterns at the world’s tallest five-star hotel this Cinco de Mayo. The fun-filled event will feature live music and a special 50% discount on Mexican menu items. Carne asada tacos, nachos de hotel, fresh guacamole and chips and a plethora of flavoursome fare await guests who wish to indulge in authentic Latin cuisine starting at AED 37 per platter. In addition, classic Mexican house beverages will be priced from AED 32.
GO: Call 04 560 1799 for reservations and more information.
La Carnita
La Carnita is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a fabulous foodie fiesta. The Mexican hotspot invites guests to experience an evening feast featuring authentic Mexican dishes and traditions, including a mariachi band, piñatas, sombreros, maracas, and a raffle draw. In true Mexican style, drinks will flow with a special offer of 2-4-1 on selected shots, pitchers and daiquiris. Thursday 5 May, from 7pm.
GO: Email reservations@lacarnitadxb.com for reservations and more information.
La Coco
This month, La Coco at Andaz Dubai The Palm celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a themed brunch. Expect entertainment in the form of Latin dancers, percussionists and a Mariachi trio. The brunch menu will feature octopus tiradito, lamb barbacoa tacos, enchilada suizas, veggie ceviche and a delicious Latin dessert platter. Saturday 7 May, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 199 (soft beverages), AED 299 (house beverages), AED 399 (premium beverages) and AED 599 (Champagne).
GO: Call 050 107 3766 for reservations and more information.
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Lock, Stock & Barrel is pulling out all the stops in true party bar style with its Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Dig into homemade guac and chips, tasty tacos, enchiladas, nachos, burritos and crispy churros in unlimited quantities. All washed down with your favourite Mexican beverages. Thursday 5 May, from 7pm to 10pm. AED 200 per person.
GO: Visit https://lsbdubai.com/events for reservations and more information.
