Florence, a city of art, history and good living, is gearing up for one of the most colourful red letter days on the international calendar: Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is not simply an excuse to eat tacos and drink margaritas, it is a date with a strong historical background. Although in Mexico this date commemorates the victory of Ignacio Zaragoza’s army over the French troops in the Battle of Puebla (1862), outside the country’s borders it has become a vibrant tribute to Mexican culture. And Florence is not far behind. For some years now, Cinco de Mayo has been gaining prominence in the Tuscan capital. Restaurants, bars and cultural spaces join the celebration with proposals that mix tradition, flavour and joy.
One of the foodie epicentres is Tijuana Centro, with its location on via Ghibellina. It serves a menu that includes tacos al pastor, enchiladas, burritos and nachos with guacamole, accompanied by margaritas, micheladas and palomas. The atmosphere, decorated with papel picado and bright colours, transports the diner directly to a Mexican cantina. Plus, there’s also Tijuana Mexican Grill along via il Prato with a similar setup of tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and more.
At Raíces Latin Food (via del Sole + via dei Cimatori), the proposal goes beyond cuisine: beer, tamales and tres leches cake are served in a setting full of cultural references from Frida Kahlo to alebrijes. Throughout the day, live traditional music will add rhythm to the evening.
Hard Rock Cafe Florence (via dei Brunelleschi 1) celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a dedicated menu featuring fajitas and three versions of Margarita, as well as a DJ set by Remo Giugni and live performance by Shot Of Roses, a Guns N’ Roses tribute band.
If cocktails and the energy of an authentic Mexican pub are your thing, Marga Mexican Pub (via Verdi) is your place. From 1 to 7pm, there will be a happy hour with frozen margaritas, gifts and lots of folklore. The party also extends to I’Margaritaio on via dell’Anguillara, where the nachos are as tasty as the cavernous atmosphere. For those looking to collect souvenirs, exclusive gadgets will be handed out.
Cinco de Mayo in Florence is not only celebrated through food. Music and art also have their place. This year, the Mariachi El Magnifico troupe will offer travelling shows around the city, while a theatrical and musical play will be presented in the Varlungo Cemetery on May 3 and 4 at 9.15pm, combining history, legend and Mexican tradition, in collaboration with La Compagnia delle Seggiole.
Amid bold flavours, joyful beats and a community spirit, Florence shows that geographical distances can be shortened with the desire to celebrate. Cinco de Mayo will be a party open to all, where Mexican tradition finds a welcoming setting in the heart of the contemporary city.
ED 01 – La Mirada Lenta
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El Duomo Magazine is a twice-yearly magazine in Spanish featuring carefully crafted articles for Tuscany lovers.
La Mirada Lenta es una forma de visitar que invita a frenar el ritmo y a observar con atención. No se trata de ver más, sino de ver mejor: prestar atención a los detalles, a lo auténtico, a la vida cotidiana, a lo que normalmente pasa desapercibido. Una manera de descubrir los lugares con sensibilidad, presencia y conexión real.
Cover photograph by Nicco Leone / Location: Museo Casa Martelli / Dress: Angela Carpio
El Duomo Magazine is a twice-yearly magazine in Spanish featuring carefully crafted articles for Tuscany lovers.
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