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<\/a>Around 100,000 attendees are expected to attend the free event. The fiesta will include a mercado (marketplace) with 50 food and merchandise vendors, entertainment from over 30 entertainers of multiple music genres, Lucha Libre fights, a car show, drink and restaurant specials and free activities for kids such as stagecoach rides, face painting and arts and crafts. Attendees can also explore Old Town\u2019s museums and shops.<\/p>\n
\u201c[The Old Town fiesta] is one of the largest celebrations in the country, and not only has a huge event on the streets, but also has a large sister festival in the historic park at the same time,\u201d McFarlane said.<\/p>\n
McFarlane Promotions has been involved in running the event for over 10 years. In that time, they have helped grow the festival from two days to three days and have incorporated more events and performances.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have added Lucha Libra and a LowRider Show and have worked hard to make the stage incorporate all types of Latin music,\u201d McFarlane said. \u201cWe also are doing a showcase of mariachis on Sunday [May 6].\u201d<\/p>\n Various Old Town restaurants, including Fred\u2019s Mexican Cafe, are known for their drink specials during the festival and enjoy being involved in the festivities.<\/p>\n \u201cWe try to be a part of the community,\u201d said Steve Bassium of Fred\u2019s Mexican Cafe. \u201cCinco de Mayo is the one time of the year when people from all over San Diego come. People from all over the world come, but it\u2019s just a real fun, great event.\u201d<\/p>\n Fred\u2019s is offering specials on Dos Equis drafts, Herradura margaritas, Frida Kahlos and more.<\/p>\n \u201cFred\u2019s is a little bit different form the other restaurants in Old Town in that we\u2019re a little less traditional, we\u2019re a little more Cali-Mex,\u201d Bassium said. \u201cWe\u2019re a little bit edgier, so we just kinda come in, have fun, throw a party and people enjoy themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Since parking is limited in Old Town, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation, such as the trolley’s Green Line or the numerous bus stops, which have a hub at the Old Town Transit station.<\/p>\n Cinco de Mayo is a historic celebration that commemorates the Mexican army\u2019s unlikely victory against Napoleon III\u2019s French army at the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.<\/p>\n McFarlane said that funds raised during the event go to the Historic Old Town Community Foundation which helps fourth-grade programs that teach California history.<\/p>\n McFarlane hopes families who attend will \u201cenjoy the food and booths, visit the local merchants, dance to the live music, enjoy the children\u2019s area and go on stagecoach rides in the park.\u201d<\/p>\n Bassium encourages San Diegans to come out and not only enjoy the history and culture, but have fun drinks with friends as well.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s one big party,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/a>
children. (Courtesy McFarlane Promotions)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n