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Business & Tech

Eight Places To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

The Mexican holiday has now become synonymous in America with tequila, tacos and warmer temperatures.

There are a couple of things that translate pretty well in any language and Cinco de Mayo is one of them. The Mexican holiday has now become synonymous in America with tequila, tacos and warmer temperatures, three things that are sure to improve your mood after a long and gloomy winter.

Plenty of spots in the Lehigh Valley will be opening their doors to Cinco de Mayo celebrators this week, but at Patch, we’ve narrowed the search for the perfect fiesta down to a handful of the best in town. 

1. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

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The Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown is known for its wacky and kid-friendly science exhibits and experiments. But this Friday, hang up your lab coat for a pair of dancing shoes. The center will be home to this year’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, hosted by the Hispanic and Greater Lehigh Valley Chambers of Commerce. The annual event will feature Mariachi music, dancers, Mexican food and some signature Cinco goodies.

The fiesta may sound like it’s all fun and games, but the HCCLV prides itself on the ability to make it both exciting and educational. Besides providing a little cultural knowledge to partygoers, the group hopes to get younger attendees interested in the arts and sciences.

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 The Cinco de Mayo fiesta will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday. Registration will be held at 5:30 at the center, and admission is $20 for non-members of the GLVCC/HCCLV.

2. Cuatro de Mayo Fundraiser

Show some love to the Bethlehem Mounted Police this week with the Cuatro de Mayo fundraiser. On Wednesday, 10 percent of your On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina can go towards supplies and care for George, Raven and Pharaoh, the four-legged members of the mounted police force. An officer will be in-house all day taking names for a prize drawing, so do your best to stop in, but if you’re in a hurry, you can still help out; the available flyer is also accepted for to-go meals.

3. Cinco Deck Mayo

It’s by far one of the more interesting ways that Lehigh Valley locals will be celebrating this week, but Cinco Deck Mayo is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some gorgeous weather and a few fajitas. Now in its second year, this Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place on top of the parking garage at 8th and Linden Streets in Allentown from 5 to 7 p.m.

Before you dismiss the idea of hanging out atop a parking garage, consider this: the event will have live entertainment, salsa dance lessons and food from popular Lehigh Valley restaurants like Sangria and Cosmopolitan Restaurant. Bonus? Brew Works will be on hand to provide the beverages.

4. Applebee’s Happy Hour

If you and your regular crew of cube mates are looking to break up the monotony of happy hour this Thursday, visit Applebee’s. It might be a neighborhood favorite best known for its appetizers and entrees, but the chain will be offering some sweet (and sour!) Cinco deals. Stop by for $3.99 Corona and Corona Light, Red Apple Sangria, Queso Blanco and more this Thursday or Friday.

5. Brew Works

Allentown Brew Works will have all hands on deck this Thursday as they help celebrate the holiday at 8th and Linden, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Head over to the Allentown location where, starting at 7 p.m., you’ll get free Jose Cuervo samplings from Southern Wine & Spirits. Keep the party going with $3 Cuervo shots and margaritas all night, and be sure to sample some of their tasty appetizers, including Southside Chicken Quesadillas and Bavarian Pretzels.

6. Pacifico

Chances are, if you’ve ever been winding your way through the Promenade in Saucon Valley, Pacifico has caught your eye. The seafood restaurant’s brightly-colored walls and swirling logo are hard to miss, so if you’ve been looking for an excuse to stop in, Cinco de Mayo is it. This Thursday, the restaurant will host live entertainment starting at 4 p.m. with Salsa Orchestra, and continuing all night long with DJ Stream.

7. The Original Tavern House

 If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican meal this Thursday, visit The Original Tavern House in Hellertown. The restaurant will feature food and drink specials throughout the evening and live entertainment, including a visit from the Corona girls. What makes this Mexican eatery such a favorite is its unique atmosphere; most locals will affectionately refer to it as ‘the Mexican dive bar’ but rave about its menu offerings, including tostados, tacos and burritos. Grab some friends and head over to see what the fuss is all about.

 8. Chili’s

Chili’s welcomes you to say ‘si’ to Cinco de Mayo this week with specials the whole family can enjoy. The chain is currently promoting Margarita Madness, where over-21 patrons can submit photos of themselves and their favorite Chili’s margarita for a chance to win one of three trips to the Caribbean or a $20 Chili’s gift card.

Luckily, you don’t have to be 21 to enjoy what Chili’s has going on this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, the chain will be offering appetizer specials, so you can enjoy your meal tapas style, with a little of everything.

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