Cinco De Mayo Celebrations and Festivals in Tucson Arizona

Cinco de Mayo festivities celebrate Mexico's victory over the French in 1862.

Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, 2010 is on a Wednesday this year.

Below are Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Tucson Arizona.

Kennedy Park is having their annual Cinco de Mayo celebration from 10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M. There will be plenty of live Mexican music, Mexican food, craft vendors, activities for children...and yes, tequila. Kennedy Park is located at: 3700 S. Mission Road at the Tucson Mountains. Their telephone number is: 520-791-4863.

Others who honor Cinco de Mayo before and after the 5th of May:

Tucson Heart Group's Cinco de Mayo 10K is on Sunday, May 2, 2010 starting at 7:00 A.M. for the 10K run or walk and at 7:05 A.M. for the 2 mile fun run or walk. After the run there will be a Cinco de Mayo celebration consisting of: Mariachi music; food and drink such as burritos, Starbucks coffee, snacks and other refreshments; raffle prizes; and many activities for children including a race, jumping castle, piñatas and more. Wear your oldest "Cinco" t-shirt and the person wearing the oldest will receive a monetary award. The event starts and ends at Cholla High School, which is located at: 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd., at W. 22nd Street. The run takes place on a quiet paved road surrounded by beautiful scenery and views including passing through Starr Pass Resort in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains. There will be 2 water spots along the way. There will be cash awards given to the first top 3 winners in each 5 year age group and monetary awards for the Overall top 3winners of the whole race ($100.00, $75.00 & $50.00) and its Masters winner as well ($50.00). Registration fees are: $30.00 per person if you register by April 23, 2010 and $35.00 per person if you register after April, 23, 2010 and on race day. Southern Arizona Roadrunners members pay $25.00 if they register by April 23, 2010. Students 18 years old and under receive these discount fees: $10.00 per person if registered by April 23, 2010, $12.00 after April 23, 2010 and $35.00 on the day of the race. You can find the links to register to participate in the race online, or to print it out and mail it in, on their website at: www. www.azroadrunners.org. You can also pick up a registration packet at: Performance Footwear located at: 5350 E. Broadway Blvd., at the Williams Center on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. On the day of the race, you can register and pick up a packet before the race at Cholla High School from 5:30 A.M.-6:30 A.M. The event is hosted by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and their telephone number is: 520-326-9383.

If you would like to do some Mexican appreciation on your own:

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference: Mariachi Para Siempre is from April 20-24, 2010 at the Tucson Convention Center. The conference is an opportunity to enjoy and learn about Mariachi culture through workshops, and these 3 concerts: Noche de Mariachi with a dinner before the concert starting at 5:00 P.M.; the Espectacular Concert; and the Fiesta de Garibaldi. The Conference features the world-famous Mariachi group, Los Camperos de Nati Cano and during the Espectacular Concert they will be joined by Lila Downs, Mariachi Cobre and Los Arrieros. The student workshops are on Wednesday-Friday, April 21-23, 2010 for anyone ages 12 and up from a beginner to master level (past experience required). These workshops even teach instruments and dance. Registration is limited for these workshops. One very fun activity during this Conference is watching thousands of performers participate in an attempt to win the Guinness World Record for the largest mariachi group performing simultaneously in one venue. It's like "open-mike nite" for professionals, local performers and students (those who participated in the workshops) which takes place at the Tucson Community Center Arena on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. Friday night, April 23, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. is the Espectacular Concert in the Tucson Community Center Arena and tickets cost $48.00 and up. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 9:00 A.M. St Augustine Cathedral, in downtown Tucson, will be having a special Mariachi Mass featuring beautiful Mariachi music. St. Augustine Cathedral is located at: 192 S. Stone Avenue and their telephone number is: 520-623-6351.On Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M. is the Fiesta de Garibaldi celebration at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park at 22nd Street and Country Club Road. Reid Park's address is: 900 S. Randolph Way. It's an all day celebration with plenty of music, food, dancing and games. Admission is $5.00 and free for ages under 12. You can see beautiful pictures regarding this whole Conference and register online on their website at: www.tucsonmariachi.org. All proceeds from this Conference benefit the children and families of La Frontera, Inc. The Tucson Convention Center is located at 260 S. Church Avenue and their telephone number is: 520-791-4101.

Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 9:00 A.M. St Augustine Cathedral, in downtown Tucson, will be having a special Mariachi Mass. St. Augustine Cathedral is located at: 192 S. Stone Avenue and their telephone number is: 520-623-6351.

Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M. is the Fiesta de Garibaldi celebration at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park at 22nd Street and Country Club Road. Reid Park's address is: 900 S. Randolph Way. It's an all day celebration with plenty of music, food, dancing and games. Admission is $5.00 and free for ages under 12.

Arizona Sate Museum is presenting Salvador Corona: Matador to Muralist - a 2010 Year of Mexico. This exhibition features work done by Mexican-born muralist and decorative artist Salvador Corona, who lived from 1895-1990. His work will be exhibited here until September 18, 2010. Admission: $5.00 per person 18 years and older and free for ages 0-17. On Cinco de Mayo the museum will be open from 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Their daily open hours, including for its store, are open: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. The museum store is closed from 12:30 P.M.-1:00 P.M. for lunch. The museum is located at: 1031 E. University Blvd., on the University campus just east of the main gate at University Boulevard and Park Avenue. Their telephone number is: 520-621-6302.

Tucson Museum of Art is presenting Viva David Tineo! A Retrospective of Tucson's Muralist and Art Educator. This exhibition features the work done by David Tineo, including his easel paintings, moveable murals, drawings - available for public commissions, and decorated architectural artifacts. His work will be exhibited here until July 3, 2010. Admission: $8.00 per person; $3.00 for students; and $6.00 for seniors. On Cinco de Mayo they will be open from 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Their daily open hours are: Tuesday -Saturday: 10:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.; and Sunday noon - 5:00 P.M. The museum is located at: 140 N. Main Avenue, in the historic El Presidio neighborhood and their telephone number is: 520-624-2333.

If you would like to honor Mexico as you dine:

Westwood Look Resort has Family Night in their Lookout Bar & Grille for children 16 and under any entrée on the children's menu is free with the purchase of any adult entrée. This special offer is from 2:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. Board games are provided for hours of fun for children and their whole family. Westwood Look Resort is located at: 245 E. Ina Road and their telephone number is: 520-297-1151.

Westwood Look Resort has Happy Hour from 4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. During Happy Hour prices are: drafts-$2.00; wines-$3.00; martinis - $4.00; and ½ off all appetizers. You can dance to Mexican music played by their DJ. Westwood Look Resort is located at: 245 E. Ina Road and their telephone number is: 520-297-1151.

Westwood Look Resort has Create Your Own Menu starting at 5:00 P.M. For $29.00 per person you create your own 3-course dinner. Westwood Look Resort is located at: 245 E. Ina Road. Their telephone number for reservations is: 520-917-2930.

Also see my article on Mexican Restaurants Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Tucson Arizona, for a list of many more options for Mexican cuisine, Happy Hour and Mariachi music on Cinco de Mayo and all other days.

If I hear of more Cinco de Mayo celebrations and festivals in Tucson Arizona between now and the 5th of May, I'll add them as comments below this article.