Get Ready for Cinco de Mayo

Saturday...and Cinco de Mayo: perfect together.

You can enjoy the celebration of one of Mexico's two independence celebrations—this one celebrates the victory of the Mexican military over the French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862—with food and drink Saturday.

We're here to help get you started, with a few local establishments planning events—but tell us where you like to mark the occasion. Add your favorite Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the comments below.

You can start—or end—your celebration at Watchung's , it only seems fitting, but if you've a bigger night of it planned, check out the drink specials at

For those willing to travel a little further for fun, Sol Mexican Cantina on Route 22 westbound in Branchburg promises a full day of Cinco de Mayo festivities, with a salsa cookoff and chili cookoff complementing food and drink specials, an employee said. Eating contests for hot peppers and a four-pound burrito will begin about 2 or 3 p.m. that day, he said.

Also, the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset is planning three sessions of a Cinco de Mayo Big Brew Beer Festival, starting tonight and lasting into Saturday night. The party will feature Mariachi music, food, rides on a mechanical bull and other games and a scheduled Saturday night performance by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes to help you imagine you're South of the Border. And, of course, lots of different beers. Tickets, for ages 21 and older, are limited — but they're looking for volunteers to help staff the event.