Sombreros at the ready…

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration, originating from Mexico, which is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire in 1862. Nowadays, parties all over Mexico, United States and the rest of the world take place to celebrate Mexican culture.

While the official celebration is observed on May 5, most parties in Dubai are taking place this weekend.

Here are seven of the best Cinco de Mayo parties in Dubai. 

1. Luna Sky Bar

Head to Luna Sky Bar on Thursday 2nd May from 9pm for a Mexican-style fiesta to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Listen to the sounds of a seven-piece Mariachi band while you make your way through a menu of signature themed cocktails such as Tommy’s Margarita and dance the night away to Latin beats.

Luna Sky Bar, Four Seasons DIFC, DIFC, 9pm to late, Thursday May 2. Tel: (04) 506 0000. lunadubai.com

2. Palapa

New hotspot at The Pointe, Palapa, is upping the ante for its weekly Friday brunch in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The Latin American Hacienda will have an eclectic menu of authentic Mexican cuisine with live music and salsa dancing. Feel the fiesta with free-flowing cocktails, salsa instructors to guide you on your feet and traditional dishes.

Palapa, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, 12pm to 4pm, Friday May 3, Dhs165 soft, Dhs255 house and sparkling. Tel: (04) 568 4657. facebook.com/palapathepointe

3. Trader Vic’s JBR

It’s a weekend-long fiesta at Trader Vic’s JBR, with Mexican dishes by chef Esteban and plenty of Latin American beats. The fiesta kicks off on Thursday May 2, with a great deal on tacos for two people; indulge in a taco platter for two for Dhs125 with the option to refill it for only Dhs75. The resident band will be cranking up the noise for a traditional Mexican celebration.

Trader Vic’s, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Dubai Marina, Thursday May 2 to Saturday May 4, 4pm to 3am, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 318 2530. tradervics.com 

4. ZOCO

Head to ZOCO for a brunch with a truly Mexican experience. From 12.30pm to 4pm, enjoy tasty dishes such as tacos, nachos and ceviche alongside unlimited tequila-based drinks and a live Mariachi duo. This brunch promises to be a lively event embracing everything Cinco de Mayo related.

Zoco, The Atrium at Al Habtoor City, 12.30pm to 4pm, Friday May 3, Dhs370 house, Dhs440 sparkling. Tel: (04) 437 0044. zocodubai.com

5. Muchachas

muchachas mexican cantina

Muchachas’ Miss Chief Brunch is inclusive of an unlimited four-course feast with soft beverages for Dh199 or margaritas and house beverages for Dhs299. Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes such as vegetable burrito, maiz en la mazorca, salmon ala parilla and chicken quesadilla. 

Muchachas, Holiday Inn Express, Al Safa, 12.30pm to 4pm, Friday May 3, Dhs199 soft, Dhs299 house. Tel: (04) 327 5878. muchachasdubai.com

6. Tribeca

If you’re looking for a brunch with a Mexican offering that extends far beyond nachos and tacos, then Tribeca has the answer. Serving up an array of dishes including tostadas, enchiladas, chorizo and Tombada-style rice, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Expect to find frozen margaritas and Mexican mules on tap, and plenty of Cinco de Mayo decorations. 

Tribeca, JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 5pm and 7pm to 11pm, Friday May 3, Dhs225 soft, Dhs349 house, Dhs399 sparkling. Tel: (050) 345 6067. tribeca.ae

7. COYA

On Saturday May 4, COYA is throwing the ultimate Mexican fiesta. From 7pm, enjoy authentic Mexican treats and live Mexican music, with taco stations and three signature cocktails for Dhs150. The venue will be decked out in festive decorations and colourful clothes are encouraged.

COYA Dubai, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach, 7pm onwards, Saturday May 4. Tel: (04) 316 9600. coyarestaurant.com

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Images: Facebook