By Pat Sherman
SDUN Assistant Editor

San Diegans have several ways to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride – while sipping down a few frothy margaritas – during this year’s Cinco de Mayo festivities in historic Old Town.

Sometimes confused with Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16), Cinco de Mayo observes the Battle of Puebla, in which vastly outnumbered Mexican forces defeated the Imperialist French Army on May 5, 1862.

On Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Historic Old Town Community Foundation will host its annual Fiesta Old Town celebration.

The free event offers an array of activities for both children and adult revelers, including food, live music and activities designed to educate the public about historical Mexican traditions.

This year’s event will feature three beer gardens and live music stages, an equestrian show by Escaramuzaa Golondrinas, stagecoach rides, bounce houses, break dancing performances and a showcase sponsored by the Lowrider Community of San Diego that will feature more than 50 brilliantly painted, hydraulically tricked-out vehicles and bicycles.

“We’re trying to mix it up for a new generation,” event organizer Natalie Gomez said.

Children will get to feel a sense of Old Town’s history by taking part in activities such as soapmaking and rope tying.

“It’s a great way for people to experience the culture,” Gomez said.

Old Town includes more than 30 restaurants and 20 museums and attractions, as well as an array of specialty shops. For more information or a list of festival entertainers, go to fiestaoldtown.com.

Longtime Old Town restaurateur and businesswoman Diane Powers, who launched Old Town’s first Cinco de Mayo festival in 1983, will feature a week of food, fun and folklore at her Casa Guadalajara restaurant and adjacent Bazaar del Mundo Shops .

Casa Guadalajara will offer its signature “Cincorita” margarita, made with strawberries and kiwis to match the colors of the Mexican flag (red, green and white) May 1, 2, and 5, along with Mariachi music, folkloric dancers and promotional giveaways.

Bazaar del Mundo Shops and Casa Guadalajara are located on the corner of Taylor and Juan Streets in Old Town. For more information, call 295-5111.

On Wedensday, May 5, from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m., Old Town’s Fiesta de Reyes will host its inaugural Cinco in the Park, which coincides with the business’ first anniversary in Old Town State Historic Park.

“This year there will be a beer garden in the center of the state park with live music from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on the actual holiday,” said Chuck Ross, owner and operator of Fiesta de Reyes.

Three bands will perform including the Sound Doctors, playing Latin, oldies and soul on the main stage; Luis Max and Blue Moon, performing Latin Jazz on the Fiesta de Reyes stage; and Los Rios mariachi fusion band, which will wander through the park performing throughout the night.

Fiesta de Reyes is located in the northeast section of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It includes two restaurants, Barra Barra Saloon and Casa de Reyes, as well as 17 specialty shops.

Event organizer Julia Simms said she expects between 500 and 1,000 people to attend.

“We’ll be going to midnight, which is rare at this end of Old Town within a state park,” Simms said.

For more information, go to fiestadereyes.com.