Pop quiz, amigos: What does Cinco de Mayo actually celebrate?

Ten years of Spanish classes, and I didn’t know either. Turns out, the holiday commemorates an 1862 battle at Puebla, a town 100 miles east of Mexico City, where Mexican soldiers upset French forces who were there trying to get a piece of the Central American pie. But I also learned (thanks Wikipedia) that Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated, really, by most of Mexico. It’s sort of a Puebla-specific fiesta. Does that mean French wine bars in Seattle don’t run specials? It does not.

So now that we’re all properly informed, let’s commence the drinking, si? Here’s what up on the fifth.

Gainsbourg is offering Pacifico, Modelo Especial, and Corona for $3, “hand-shaken margaritas with house-made mix ($5),” and food specials like fish tacos and "Mexi-Frites.” Live Mexican folk music starts at 9pm. If the sun shines upon us that evening, consider also that Gainsbourg will be opening its sidewalk patio that day too.

At The Lost Lady American Cantina, happy hour will run form 3:15-11:15 pm. The drink specials are kind of unexciting, for the most part, but coronas are only $3, so that’s a pretty good deal.

Never one to miss a holiday opportunity, the overachievers at Bottleneck Lounge (great little bar right?) will do up a taco bar and discounts on tequila.

Get to Pike Brewing early. They’re tapping just one keg of Pike Cerveza Rosanna Chili Ale (on cask) and will serve alongside tamales.

Another great pick if there is tasty weather: Agua Verde has special guava margaritas for Cinco.

Beginning at 10pm at Brouwers: DJ Delene Cion is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Gauntlet Showdown—whatever that is. Other attractions include special tacos and canned Mexican brews.

Barrio will serve a special drink called “Tequila por Mi Amante.” In prepartion for the holiday, the bar poured Sauza Hornitos Reposado Tequila over fresh strawberries and let the flavors mix for for 21 days (I must try that.) There is also a special happy hour all day long: pitchers of Tecate for $10, Sangria for $12, Peruvian Punch for $14 plus food specials.

So there you have it. With swine flu waning, there’s never been a better time to celebrate our friends down South. See you Tuesday.