Watch CBS News

Best Cinco de Mayo 2016 Celebrations Near Boston

Mexican Flag
(Photo Credit: OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images)

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5th, is one of the biggest party days of the year, no matter what day of the week it falls on. A traditionally Mexican celebration, Bostonians and Americans nationwide have embraced it as a day to drink Mexican drinks and eat Mexican food. Every year, there are a few celebrations around the city that let revelers do just that, and usually more. There are mostly adult events, but some local establishments offer more robust entertainment, with something for everyone. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the delicious flavors and energetic spirit that have come out of Central America.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl Boston 2016
Faneuil Hall
1 Faneuil Hall Square
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 635-3105
www.pubcrawls.com

Date: May 5, 2016

Every year, there are multiple pub crawls in Boston to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The biggest is hosted by pubcrawls.com and requires only a quick pre-registration and for participants to meet at a bar in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. At less than $6 to register, guests can save their money for drinks at Faneuil Hall Marketplace's best bars and restaurants. Get ready for margaritas, sangria and anything else with tequila in it. The location puts the fun at the heart of the city, so it is easy to find transportation and even pre-game and after-party festivities. There are also plenty of restaurants both in the marketplace and a short walk away in the North End, so revelers don't have to celebrate on an empty stomach.

Related: Boston's Best Bars To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

Fifth Annual Cinco de Mayo Boat Cruise
Provincetown II
200 Seaport Blvd.
Boston, MA 02210
www.eventbrite.com

Date: May 7, 2016 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

For the fifth year running, Boston VIP List is hosting a big booze cruise to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This year, it features music from Breeazy, Tao & Friends that will let guests dance the night away. There is also an after party at Ascend & Greatest Bar for those who haven't had their fill after four hours on the Provincetown II. Guests have to be 21 or over, as there is alcohol on board the ship. More than 1,000 adults will be there to party, so there is plenty of opportunity to dance, meet new people and have a lot of fun. Just remember to purchase admission ahead of time. Tickets go fast!

Taza Chocolate Block Party
561 Windsor St.
Somerville MA 02143
(617) 623-0804
www.tazachocolate.com

Date: April 30, 2016, rain date: May 5, 2016

Taza Chocolate, while a Somerville staple founded by Somerville resident Alex Whitmore, has its roots its Mexican chocolate tradition. Whitmore discovered the delights of stone ground chocolate while traveling in Mexico and developed his company around that process. Every year, Taza Chocolate and its employees pay homage to Mexico with a Cinco de Mayo block party. The festivities usually include Mexican drinks, food and Taza chocolates with activities like face painting and bean bag tossing thrown in for fun. A group of local businesses will join in to ensure that the block party has everything visitors need to have an exciting and filling day celebrating Cinco de Mayo. When it comes to family entertainment with the chance to grab a drink, this is the best party in the area.

Related: Best Cinco De Mayo Events Near Boston

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.