HispanicBusiness

Mesilla will once again host southern New Mexico's largest family-friendly Cinco de Mayo fiesta with a two-day celebration on Mesilla's historic plaza.

Fiestas throughout the United States, the Borderlands and Mexico will commemorate the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla victory of Benito Juarez and his followers over the larger, richer, better-equipped French army. The victory was a beacon of hope for the underdogs, a morale booster that fueled the long fight for Mexican independence from foreign rule.

Thousands are expected to join Cinco de Mayo celebrations Saturday and Sunday on Mesilla's Plaza. It's a family celebration. Alcohol, smoking and pets are not allowed on the plaza, but there is plenty of good clean fun to be had -- and greased poles to climb and pinatas to demolish.

Saturday's entertainment roster will feature Ballet Folklorico Tierra del Encanto with Mariachi Alma de Jalisco, Las Perlitas del Pueblo with Mariachi Aguilas, Ballet Folklorico Amanecer from Chaparral's Sunrise Elementary School, Mariachi Real de Chihuahua and Animmo. Sunday's lineup includes Tierra del Encanto, Mariachi Aguilas, Las Cruces Catholic School Colores de Cristo Ballet Folklorico and Sonny & The All Stars.

Vendor booths will offer art, crafts, games, drinks and food treats.

Those attending are welcome to bring folding chairs. For information, call (575) 524-3262.

-- S. Derrickson Moore

Bars and restaurants plan Cinco specials

In addition to Cinco de Mayo on the Mesilla Plaza this weekend, there are a few more events around Las Cruces to check out. Here are a handful of local bars, clubs and restaurants who are getting in on the celebration on Saturday.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Get some Corona with your wings. BWW will have $3 Coronas, $3.50 vodka-Red Bulls and $3 Bud Light Lime bottles, as well as entertainment by DJ Gene-e-ous, DJ Phat Tony and an acoustic set by Ty Elwin. The festivities begin at 10 p.m. and entry will cost you $5. 2750 Mall Drive #600.

Guacamole's

Enjoy a day on the patio with $3 frozen margaritas, $2.50 draft Dos Equis and $4.50 top-shelf margaritas. The restaurant will be serving homemade posole with a bolillo roll, fish tacos, or guacamole tacos for $5.95 each. 395 W. Picacho Ave.

De La Vegas Pecan Grill and Brewery

The brewery will have Cinco de Drink-O, which features live music from The Automatics and Mike Trujillo from 5-8 p.m. Drink specials start at noon with Jose Cuervo shots for $2.50 until 3 p.m. Jose Cuervo margaritas will be $3.50 all day, or for something sweeter, enjoy Hornitos Sangritas samplers for $6. For the whole group, order a bucket of Bud Light Lime for $8.50. The restaurant also offers 50-cent chips and salsa, $1 tacos, $2 nachos, $3 quesadillas and $4 hamburgers. 500 S. Telshor Blvd.

Graham Central Station

Graham's will host a $100 taco-eating contest at 10 p.m., followed by a $100 limbo contest at 11 p.m., and when everyone has had a few rounds, there will be a pinata beat down at midnight. Live music will be provided by Miami from Corozones Rotos. There will be no cover until 9 p.m. and then admission will cost you $5. As far as drink specials: $2.50 Bud and Bud Light, $3 Crown Royal, $4 Patron and $5 Jager Bombs are offered all night. 505 S. Main St.

The Game

This bar has a great patio and more than 40 beers on tap. Local band The Liars will hit the stage at 7 p.m., followed by Matt Morgan at 8:30 p.m. No cover charge for this show. 2605 S. Espina St.

Hurricane Alley

Can't get enough of The Liars? Catch them again after The Game at 10 p.m. at Hurricane Alley. The cover is $7 and drink specials include $2 domestics and $3 well drinks all day and all night. 1490 Missouri Ave.

-- Sylvia Quintanilla

If you go

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Mesilla Plaza

How much: Free

Info: (575) 524-3262

Saturday:

Noon: Ballet Folklorico Tierra del Encanto with Mariachi Alma de Jalisco

2 p.m.: Las Perlitas del Pueblo with Mariachi Aguilas

3 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Amanecer from Chaparral's Sunrise Elementary School

4 p.m.: Mariachi Real de Chihuahua

5:30 p.m.: Greased Pole Climb and Pinatas

6:30 p.m.: Animmo

Sunday

Noon: Tierra del Encanto

1 p.m.: Mariachi Aguilas

2 p.m.: Las Cruces Catholic School Colores de Cristo Ballet Folklorico

3 p.m.: Greased Pole Climb and Pinatas

4 p.m.: Sonny & The All Stars