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Cinco de Mayo
Celebrations and Events

By Aileen O'Catherine, About.com

Cinco de Mayo has become a holiday tradition in the United States for Mexican Americans much the way St. Patrick’s Day has for the Irish, or Chinese New Year for the Chinese. It’s a day to celebrate your nationality with music, food and dance. Cinco de Mayo is known for its parades, folklorico, mariachis and of course, its amazing food. Here are some Cinco de Mayo events to celebrate Mexican culture, art and music.

May 2
Santiago Jiménez, Jr.
When: 8:00 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Journal Theater
What: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tejano music star Santiago Jiménez, Jr. Jimenez, known as San Antonio’s accordian king, has toured the world and brings his Tex-Mex and conjunto music to Albuquerque for this special show.
Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster online, at Ticketmaster outlets, or at the NHCC box office.

May 2
Latino Music Festival
When: 12:00 p.m.
Where: Isleta Showroom at Isleta Casino and Resort
What: Cinco de Mayo comes to life with the sounds of acts such as War, Ram Hererra, Sorela, Roberto Griego and Tobias Rene & Gonzalo. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Tickets.com

May 2
Cinco de Mayo Folk Art and Music Festival
When: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: La Parada Mercantile, 8917 Fourth Street NW
What: Join Albuquerque recycle artists, musicians, and folk artists for an annual Cinco de Mayo celebration that has taken place in different Albuquerque neighborhoods over the years.

May 3
Cinco de Mayo Kickoff
When: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market, Academy and Wyoming
What: This Sunday afternoon celebration features mariachi music, flamenco dancers and the ever important guacamole. Food samples will be available all day in honor of Cinco de Mayo, and it's all free.

May 4
Ballet Folklorico for Cinco de Mayo
When: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: KiMo Theatre, 5th and Central
What: One of the most popular folklorico companies from Mexico, “Quetzalli” de Veracruz has toured worldwide, bringing the traditions of the past into the present. The colorful, energetic show brings traditional music and dance to the KiMo for one special performance in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Tickets are $18; $2 discount for students and seniors.

May 5
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
When: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What: Taste delicious food samples all day, enter the pinata decorating contest, and pick out your favorite sombrero-wearing team member. Ask for a free reusable bag at this free, fun event.

May 5
Cantando la Cultura
When: 6:00 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center Wells Fargo Auditorium
What: Join musicians as they teach the history and music of their favorite Latin songs. The event is open to all ages and all levels of music experience.
The event is free of charge.

Year Round
When: Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center
What: Since opening its doors in 2000, the National Hispanic Cultural Center has provided visitors with a glimpse at the arts and cultures of Hispanics worldwide. The Center is located along the Rio Grande in one of Albuquerque's oldest neighborhoods, and offers visitors galleries, a library, a genealogy center, and the scenic La Fonda restaurant, voted a top Hispanic restaurant by Hispanic Magazine.

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