San Diego's Old Town Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Ready for three days of some of the most fun you’ll ever have? San Diego’s outstanding Cinco de Mayo celebration is about to unfold (for the 31st time!) in the city’s beautiful Old Town—and you won’t want to miss it!
All the fantastic flavors, melodies, and costumes are a simple trolley-ride from the doorstep of the Sofia Hotel.
A Longstanding Tradition
Cinco de Mayo has been observed in the United States for more than 150 years. Now a lively tribute to the country’s strong Mexican-American heritage, it originally commemorated the victory of the outnumbered Mexican army over French troops on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.
The Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo, the biggest observance in all of Southern California, began in 1983, and it’s still going strong. The setting of Old Town San Diego is wholly appropriate, given it’s here that the city’s original Mexican community took root in the 1820s near the site of an 18th-century Spanish mission.
Three Days of Epic Festivities
This year’s Fiesta kicks off with customary flair on Friday, May 2: You’ll get in the spirit by enjoying an all-day “happy hour” featuring great deals on delicious food and spirits. In addition to loads of participating eateries, the weekend-long party includes two cantina beer gardens as well as a special watering hole dedicated to the full breadth of the tequila spectrum.
Saturday and Sunday, meanwhile, are filled to the brim with remarkable entertainment spread across multiple stages, including rousing Ballet Folklórico competitions and a host of diverse musicians. There are equestrian shows, lowrider displays, stagecoach rides, and buzzing markets vying for your attention. Kids, meanwhile, will love all the face painting, magic performances, and other youth-oriented activities humming along throughout the fiesta.
Join Us for Cinco de Mayo Fun!
It’s an easy and delightful ride from the Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego to Old Town and the Cinco de Mayo festivities: Just hop on the trolley! You’ll be there in a flash, and during all the irresistible hustle and bustle you’ll know you have a warm, spacious room waiting for you back at the Sofia.
We’re proud to join in the celebration of San Diego’s Mexican-American culture—such a foundational part of our city’s story. Why not come join the party?