News Summary
Upstate South Carolina is gearing up for vibrant Cinco de Mayo festivities from May 1 to May 5. Events in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson will showcase Mexican heritage with themed activities, live performances, food, and community engagement. Highlights include Cantina 76’s ‘Cinco Days of Cinco de Mayo,’ the Willy Taco events, and the family-friendly Fiesta Festival in Spartanburg, making this year’s celebrations particularly impactful for local charities.
Greenville, SC – Upstate South Carolina is set to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a series of festive events and activities that reflect Mexican heritage and culture. The celebrations will take place across Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and surrounding areas from May 1 to May 5, featuring a lively mix of food, drinks, music, and community involvement.
Cantina 76 in Greenville is leading the celebrations with “Cinco (five) Days of Cinco de Mayo” from May 1-5. This event will include various themed activities, giveaways, signature cocktails, live music performances, and tequila tastings. Different venues will join in on the festivities, with Willy Taco locations in Greenville and Spartanburg launching their “Willy de Mayo” events on May 5. These events will not only provide a festive atmosphere but also benefit local charities, with proceeds going to the Greenville Humane Society and the Charles Lea Center Foundation.
In Spartanburg, the Willy Taco location will host celebrations from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring a live performance by Gypsy Souls at 6:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Greenville’s Willy Taco will kick off its outdoor activities starting at 5 p.m., also featuring a performance by RANDOMONIUM at 6:30 p.m. Craft Axe Throwing in Greenville will host a unique Cinco de Mayo event on May 5, which includes axe throwing, salsa dancing, and themed drink specials.
For those looking for a social experience, a Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl is scheduled in downtown Greenville on May 3, with check-in available from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is for guests aged 21 and older, and participants can enjoy Mexican-inspired drinks and music while paying a $24.99 entry fee. There are also special ticket offerings, such as a 2-for-1 admission for $4.99.
Additionally, Spartanburg’s Mezcal Taberna Mexicana will hold its 5th annual Fiesta Festival on May 3 from noon to 10 p.m. at Barnet Park. This family-friendly event will feature a live DJ, dancing, and a dedicated kids’ zone, with road closures implemented around the festival area to ensure public safety.
Further south, in Anderson, Taqueria Picante will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5 from 4 to 9 p.m., showcasing authentic cuisine backed by live music. Papa’s and Beer in Anderson will participate by offering cocktail specials, including $5 margaritas and $7 shots of Don Julio and Patron on the same day.
Another notable event in Greenville is the Barrels and Beer event at Magnetic South Brewery on May 3. This occasion promotes environmental awareness intertwined with Mexican culture, themed “Fiesta de la Tierra.” The brewery will host various activities aimed at highlighting sustainability and the influence of Cinco de Mayo.
Excitement continues in Greenville with the upcoming Artisphere 2025, taking place from May 9-11. This festival will feature 140 artists and 100 musical performances, along with interactive family activities. Local vendors will showcase their culinary talents, competing for a cash prize in the Best in Show category, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
The appeal of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Upstate South Carolina emphasizes community involvement and appreciation for Hispanic culture, as approximately 18 percent of the local population identifies with Hispanic heritage. Initiatives by organizations like the Hispanic Alliance encourage community participation through networking and volunteering opportunities, promoting diversity and support for all residents.
As businesses engage with the community through these various events, the genuine spirit of Cinco de Mayo is expected to resonate deeply across the Upstate region, uniting residents in celebration of rich cultural traditions.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Cinco de Mayo Festivals and Events
- Greenville Online: Artisphere 2025
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
- Fox Carolina: Understanding Cinco de Mayo
- WITN: Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Across Eastern North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Cinco de Mayo
- Google Search: Cinco de Mayo 2025
- Google Scholar: Cinco de Mayo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cinco de Mayo
- Google News: Cinco de Mayo
