Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas

While Cinco de Mayo may not represent Mexico's Independence Day, as popular belief would lead you to think, there is no question as to what the general population in both Mexico and the United States use the day for. Known as yet another holiday where liquor flows like water, It is celebrated nationwide within the United States with some of the greatest parties and offers finding their home in the desert's city of sin.

Each year on the fifth of May, people of all ethnicities come together to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. In Las Vegas, most of this celebration comes in the form of knocking back trays stocked with shots of tequila. With the countless amounts of venues and restaurants in town, it may be a fairly daunting task to settle on one local to spend the day. Of the many locations holding special events, all of them offer discounted tequila shots to ensure the party never dies.

Places like the Mi Casa Restaurant and Cantina and Luxor's Tacos and Tequila are amongst the many venues holding Cinco de Mayo events, both of which featuring discounted drinks. Even locations that are far off from the Mexican spectrum, such as Crazy Horse III, PBR Rock Bar, and the Rio's McFadden's, involve themselves in the daily activities. Other locations like Murphy's Law and the Hard Rock Cafe will turn their venue into a South of the Border scene and pay homage to its Mexican patrons. While celebrity guest appearances may not be prevalent, Erik Estrada has been know to show his face at the "Chips and Salsa" fiesta at Tacos and Tequila in previous years.

Much like every other holiday of the year, the party carries over into the nightlife and takes over many of the city's infamous bars and clubs. Locations like Rhumbar at the Mirage, Crystal's at CityCenter, and Planet Hollywood's Cabo Wabo Cantina don sombreros and shake their maracas to show their pride for Mexican heritage. Expect to break away from the usual music heard at your favorite locals as Cinco de Mayo instills the house DJs with a hint of the Mexican holiday's spirit. If you don't know how to Tango or Salsa, now would be a better time than any to start

With the price of liquor nearly cut in half for the holiday, Cinco de Mayo acts as a good chance to divulge in a plethora of alcoholic beverages while doing the Salsa till the sun comes up. Though it may not have the same effect on the city as a holiday like Fourth of July, the centralized festivities give the party-like attention and atmosphere it deserves in a nation and city of mixed cultures. It should also act as a party-precursor and warm-up to Memorial Day weekend, which follows shortly after.