It’s Cinco de Mayo! Let’s celebrate!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone! Many people think that today is Mexican Independence Day. And they would be wrong. Read on to find out what it really represents and how you can celebrate in RVA this time around.

May 5, 2010; 6:00 AM • by RVANews staff

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone! Many people think that today is Mexican Independence Day. And they would be wrong. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican War.

The more you know, right?

[Cue star sweeping across screen, trailed by a glitter rainbow]

Now that you are well aware of the true significance of today, it’s clearly time to celebrate. Appropriately, here are five specific ways you can do just that…

1. Cinco de Mayo at Nacho Mama’s

The folks at the Nacho Mama’s Mechanicsville location are teaming up with Virginia Blood Services to invite you to give back to the community this Cinco de Mayo. Donate a pint of blood and receive a $5 gift card good for any purchase at the restaurant. Both locations have festivities planned as well. Today, 4pm to 8pm, 7610 Left Flank Road (Carytown location is at 3449 W. Cary Street).

2. Cinco de Mayo Party at the Hat Factory

A Cinco de Mayo Party with all the fixings: taco-eating contest, DJ, fiesta drinks, and more. Today, 7pm, 140 Virginia Street.

3. Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve: BBQ mitt giveaway and Cinco de Mayo!

Because nothing says military victory like minor league baseball and BBQ mitts? We’re not sure *how* they’ll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo, but they say they are and seem pretty excited about it. Today, 7pm, The Diamond, tickets run $6 to $10.

4. 5 days of Cinco at Baja Bean Co.

Tonight marks the end of Baja’s 5 Days of Cinco in which they offered $1 specials on the first of May, $2 specials on the second, and so on and so forth. Stop by tonight to enjoy their specials, lounge on the (shaded) patio, and catch performances by Amazing Ghost and Photosynthesizers. Today, specials end at 9pm, music starts around 9:30, 1520 W. Main Street.

5. Cinco de Mayo Latin Music at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen

Let the celebration continue into the weekend with music from Ban Caribe as well as the Texican Gringo Band. Catering by Jill will be there selling food and beverages. Friday, May 7, 7pm, 2880 Mountain Road, tickets are $10 and $12 at the door.

Or if you’re just looking for some quality Mexican cuisine to celebrate, check out our Eats Directory for more on some of the spots around town that are sure to hook you up.