For the uninitiated, Cinco de Mayo is the celebration the Mexican army’s victory during the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. This all took place back in 1862.

Somehow this holiday, oft mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, took off in non-Mexico parts of North America. We’ll take any excuse for a party, right?

Playa Cabana Hacienda (14 Dupont St.) is happily in on the action, opening their outdoor space for the season on May 5. Starting at noon, there will be a DJ spinning tunes, plenty of taco and tequila deals and $6 margarita specials. La Carnita (130 Eglinton Ave. E.) will be doing menu specials along with fancy paletas at Sweet Jesus while Milagro (5 Mercer St.) is offering a sharing platter with the likes of cochinita pibil.