Commemorating the victory of the Mexican troops over the French army, Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of The Battle of Puebla in 1862. During the French-Mexican war, an outnumbered Mexican militia battled, and conquered, the French forces. Many often mistake the Mexican Holiday for the country's Independence Day, which actually takes place on September 16. While May 5 is an especially important day in Mexico, Sacramento undeniably knows how to celebrate the holiday. Check below for a guide to the city's Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on next week.

Zocalo Cinco de Mayo Block Party

A five-day partying binge, Zocalo will be hosting a different fiesta everyday. The schedule is as follows:
Friday, May 1: "Warm Up" party with mariachi band.
Saturday, May 2: Join "The Party" as Zocalo closes down the streets with an all-day party. Live music by Mariachi Mi Tierra, Paloma Negra, Mercy Me!, and Sociedad Cafe to name a few. There will also be performances of salsa dancers and balet folklorico by Imba. Enjoy $2 drink specials and $2 tacos throughout the festivities.
Sunday, May 3: Cure your hangover with "The Hangover" brunch with live music from cover band Solsa.
Monday, May 4: Continue the party with "The Recovery" Tequila Experience. Learn about the myths and culture of 100% Blue Agave Tequila and sample different tequilas along with free appetizers.
Tuesday, May 5: Celebrate all over again with the "The Do-Over" party. More live music by Solsa, Mexican food, and margaritas being poured all day.
Where: 1801 Capitol Avenue
When: All of Cinco de Mayo week, parties start at 12 p.m. and go until last call every night of the festivities
Cost: Per event, $10 cover if purchased in advance at Zocalo, Paesano, or Dragonfly, $15 at the door

Friday Night Concerts in the Park: Cinco de Mayo concert

Enjoy the kickoff for 2009's Concert in the Park series with a performance by Sol Peligro, Retrograde Revolution, and La Noche Oskura. Visit the beer and wine garden and use your wristband for discounts at local bars later in the evening.
Where: Cesar Chavez Plaza on the corner of 10th and J Streets
When: Friday, May 1
Cost: Free

Solsa Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Sterling Hotel

Entertainment provided by Sacramento's Latin and R&B cover band, Solsa. If you can't catch them at the hotel, they will also be performing at Zocalo's Block Party.
Where: 1300 H Street
When: Friday, May 1, 8:30 p.m.- 12 a.m.
Cost: $10 online, $12 at the door, purchase tickets at the band's website: solsaentertainment.com

Rancho Rocks! Cinco de Mayo Festival at Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova

Single in Sacramento is throwing their third annual Cinco de Mayo/anniversary celebration at the Marriott. There will be an outdoor nacho bar, drink specials, and DJ spinning.
Where:11211 Point East Drive, Rancho Cordova, 95742
When: Saturday, May 2 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 cover at the door

Cinco de Mayo Breakfast and Car Show

To raise money for school programs, California Middle School will be holding a Cinco de Mayo pancake breakfast open to the public. After the breakfast there will be a classic car and motorcycle show as well as a rummage sale with donated items.
Where: California Middle School, 1600 Vallejo Way, 95818
When: Saturday, May 2, 7 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Performance and Community Mixer

To provide a safe and child-friendly Cinco de Mayo event for the community, Antioch Progress is hosting a special presentation of Tomas and the Library Lady, a play about a son of migrant workers who finds himself enraptured in the world of reading after befriending a librarian. The true story follows Tomas from his childhood wonder to his successful adulthood as Chancellor of UC Riverside. Play-goers can enjoy a health fair and community resource tables on-site at this free community event.
Where: Antioch Progress Church, 7650 Amhurst Street, Sacramento, 95832
When: Saturday, May 2, 1-4:30 p.m. (show at 2 p.m.)
Cost: Free

KSFM's Cinco de Mayo Concert in Discovery Park

Akon, Baby Bash, Paula DeAnda, HardNox, and Elijah King along with other performers will be giving a concert in the park in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Adults can visit the Xochimilco beer and margarita garden while the little ones play in bounce-houses and on slides in the Comcast Ninos Playground. The after-party, hosted by KSFM, will be held at Azukar nightclub at 1616 J Street.
Where: Discovery Park on Garden Highway, Sacramento, 95833
When: Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost: $15.50, kids under 5 are free

Paragary Group Cinco Festival: Fiesta at The Bloc

After the success of downtown's New Year ball drop, streets downtown will be shut down once again for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Live performances by The Cheeseballs and mariachi bands will be performing in the streets surrounding the 2700s of J Street. Businesses from the block including Aura, Blue Cue, Momo Lounge, Centro and GV Hurley will have a Mexican food court in Centro's parking lot and outdoor bars set up along the streets. Also, don't forget to ride the mechanical bulls!
Where: The 2700 block of J Street
When: Tuesday, May 5, outdoor party 12 p.m.- 12 a.m., the block restaurants and bars open until 2 a.m.
Cost: $15 pre-sale and $20 that day, can be purchased in advance at harlows.com or at Centro Cocina Mexicana at 2730 J Street.

Torch Club Cinco de Mayo Party

Performance by Latin and R&B cover band, Solsa. Drink specials will also be available at the bar.
Where: 15th and I Streets
When: Tuesday, May 5, 7-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 cover at the door or purchase in advance through the band's website at solsaentertainment.com

Folsom Hacienda's Cinco de Mayo Celebration

The margaritas will be flowing all night and hot tortilla chips will be in endless supply at Folsom's favorite Mexican restaurant. Entertainment for the evening is the band Tijuana Weekend, who will be performing until the party stops.
Where: Sutter Street in Old Folsom, 95630
When: Tuesday, May 5, 5-10 p.m.
Cost: $10 cover at the door