Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. It’s barely celebrated in Mexico, but in the U.S., it’s become a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture. Traditions include parties, eating Mexican food (or Tex-Mex food) and drinking margaritas.
Restaurants and companies get in on the fiesta, too, by offering drink and food discounts and sales. Check out the best deals and restaurant specials for Cinco de Mayo 2018 below — as well as some savings tips for throwing your own party at home.
[See: 10 Big Ways to Boost Your Budget — Without Skimping on Your Daily Latte.]
Cinco de Mayo Deals and Sales
Applebee’s. The $1 margarita (called the Dollarita) was supposed to make a comeback only for the month of April. But participating locations will be offering it through May 5, Applebee’s has announced. Plus, get $2 Dos Equis through the month of May.
Bahama Breeze. The chain has locations throughout the United States. Its Cinco de Mayo celebration will be seven days long, lasting from April 29 through May 5, and will feature Classic Margaritas for $5, which is $2 off the usual price.
Chuy’s. Locations will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo from Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6. Individual locations will be putting their own local twists on the holiday, but expect all-day happy hours, special pricing on beer and floaters and discounted bloody marys at some locations on Sunday. Chuy’s has restaurants in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and South.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
Expedia. If celebrating Cinco de Mayo has you dreaming of traveling to Mexico, you can get up to 40 percent off select Mexican hotels via Expedia’s Cinco de Mayo sale, which runs through May 7. Travel must be booked by May 7 and completed by Aug. 5.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. This East Coast chain is throwing what it’s calling a “Cinco de Mayan” party. It runs May 1 through May 5 and features food specials that change every day, plus $4 Samuel Adams and Dos Equis. Visit on May 5 to enter a drawing for a free trip to the Mayan Riviera.
Party City. The party-supply store is running a clearance event through May 15, which features up to 75 percent off in stores and online. Sale selection will vary in stores, but Party City has marked down a slew of Cinco de Mayo party staples, including plastic serving dishes, pitchers, shot glasses, straws and little paper umbrellas.
Taco Cabana. The Texas chain will be running its “TCinco” celebration the entire weekend, from Friday through Sunday. Highlights include happy hour prices on margaritas and Dozen Flauta Boxes for $9.99 (usually $17.99), as well as patio parties.
Tijuana Flats. This chain, primarily located in the Southeast U.S., will be offering various food and drink specials on May 5, including $2 tacos and $2 Mexican draft beers.
[See: 6 Ways to Treat Yourself on a Budget.]
Cinco de Mayo Party-Planning Tips
Throwing a party at home? Follow these tips to save money without compromising on fun.
1. Go to a dollar store. Cinco de Mayo doesn’t call for fancy cutlery and a sit-down dinner. So load up on brightly colored plasticware, drink glasses, table covers and wall hangings at the Dollar Tree, Dollar General or a similar retailer. Plenty of big-box stores will have party supplies as well, but they will rarely beat the price of dollar stores.
If you have leftover streamers, balloons, plates or party decor from other parties you’ve thrown for Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Fourth of July, repurpose them. Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have a specific color palette, and any bright colors will look festive. For example, pair your gold New Year’s Eve balloons with your red plates from July Fourth for a cheerful look.
2. Shop at a warehouse store for food. Not a member of Costco, BJ’s or Sam’s Club? Ask a card-carrying friend to get you in. Cinco de Mayo food staples are inexpensive and easily scalable (think tortillas, taco fillings, chips and salsa). So if you’re hosting a crowd, buy these things in bulk and save the leftovers. Warehouse stores are also known for selling large packs of beer, big bottles of liquor and mixers at a discount. So fill the cooler with inexpensive beer, and get a bulk discount on tequila, triple sec and margarita mix. If you have leftovers, save them for your next party. Don’t forget to buy plenty of bottled water.
3. Save on a blender. If you’re making your own frozen margaritas and need to upgrade your blender, save as much as you can on this big-ticket buy. Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma are offering up to $150 off certain Vitamix blenders through May 20.
Companies and products mentioned in this article may be promoted on www.offers.com.
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8 Best Cinco de Mayo Sales and Deals for 2018 originally appeared on usnews.com
