Cinco de Mayo in Miami Guide

Image via House of Sims' Flickr/CC 2.0

Yet another international holiday America loves to adopt as their own for the sole purpose of alcohol consumption has arrived. Cinco de Mayo is here, just 49 days after St.Patrick's Day! Replacing beer with tequila and green with sombreros, the "any-excuse-to-party" faithful will have plenty of fiesta options to chose from. It cannot be said enough that it is NOT the Mexican Independence Day, but rather a celebration of the Mexican army's underdog victory over the French in 1862 (and we're hoping they have the same luck with new bigot state, Arizona.) Many in Arizona will probably be staying in, so be sure to take a swig for them.

Check out our top Cinco de Mayo picks after the jump.

Maracas and Margaritas, El Scorpion

If you like to warm up early (like, 10 a.m., when they open), you may be one of the first of fifty guests who get a free Corona with any purchase. Or you can wait until 5 p.m., when the two-hour Mariachi Happy Hour jump starts. At that time, Coronas will be two bucks and house margaritas are two for one. A live DJ goes on at 8 p.m., with contests and give-aways all night.  I hear the there will be piñatas for all those with post-office aggression.

Fete du Cinco de Mayo, Coconut Grove

The annual Fete du Cinco de Mayo street festival is perhaps the most unique of Cinco de Mayo concepts. Those of Mexican and French heritage hold a joint celebration to symbolize how tMexico's victory shaped each country's history. Participating restaurants include Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill, Le Bouchon du Grove, Green Street Café, and George's in the Grove. Expect historical garbs, a friendly parade, and drink & food specials at each restaurant. The good times roll at 8 p.m.

Cinco de Sueno, JB Kitchen & Bar

Luna Sueno Tequila hosts this Brickell party, offering drink specials, Jalisco punch, complimentary hor d'oeuvres, and (drum roll please)...an ice luge. And not just any ice luge, a "Shoot the Moon" ice luge. Whatever that means, it sure sounds like trouble. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m

Cinco de Mayo on the River, Finnegan's on the River

Finnegan's is one of the few places providing the masses with mechanical bull rides and this factor alone will likely bring high levels of debauchery equivalent to what one may find at Tequila Ranch in Broward. There will also be live music from five local acts and of course, mariachi. Get $3 Presidente beer, $5 tequila shots, and $3 tacos from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m

10th Annual Cinco de Mayo Street Festival, Espanola Way

This popular street festival promises Mexican dancers, free margarita shots, and stilt walkers. The VE Restaurants Group (Oh! Mexico, Segafredo, La Cantina Sports Bar) has Sauza Tequila and Dos Equis as sponsors, so drink up. The shenanigans starts at 6 p.m.

Other options that may tickle your fancy include a live performance by Local 34 at MIA at Biscayne, The Raleigh, Electric Pickle, El Rancho Grande, and Cancun Grill. Click here for over 30 up-to-date listings of Cinco de Mayo happenings.