Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in El Paso is an experience that feels both vibrant and deeply authentic. Although our community at Cantera apartments to rent or lease in El Paso celebrate our rich cultural heritage year-round—on May 5th, the city truly comes alive with music, food, and community spirit.

It is here within a short drive from our apartments to rent or lease in El Paso, Texas, that the  celebration carries a meaningful connection to Mexican history and culture.

The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla, and in El Paso, that pride is reflected in colorful festivals, traditional performances, and family-friendly gatherings.

One of the best places to start your celebration is downtown, where events often spill into streets and plazas. San Jacinto Plaza becomes a hub of activity, hosting live music, folklórico dancers, and local vendors selling handmade crafts. Nearby, Plaza Theatre may feature special performances or cultural showcases, adding a historic charm to the festivities.

Food is, of course, at the heart of Cinco de Mayo in El Paso. The city is known for its incredible border cuisine, and this is the perfect day to indulge. Restaurants and food trucks serve up everything from street-style tacos and enchiladas to fresh margaritas and aguas frescas. Spots like L&J Cafe and Kiki's Restaurant & Bar are local favorites, offering authentic flavors that have been perfected over generations.

For a more festive atmosphere, many locals head to outdoor celebrations and block parties. Live mariachi bands and regional Norteño music fill the air, while dancers in traditional dress bring energy and color to every corner. Families gather to enjoy the entertainment, and kids can often take part in games, face painting, and cultural activities that make the day inclusive for all ages.

If you’re looking for a slightly more elevated experience, consider celebrating with a scenic backdrop. Venues near Franklin Mountains State Park offer stunning desert views, where you can enjoy a sunset picnic with a festive twist. Watching the sun dip behind the mountains while the city glows below adds a uniquely El Paso touch to the holiday.

Cinco de Mayo in El Paso isn’t just a party—it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and community. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, savoring authentic cuisine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a day that captures the true spirit of the borderlands.

Main Celebrations & Festive Cinco de Mayo Events in El Paso, Texas

Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl Fiesta
This popular, organized bar crawl event kicking off the Cinco de Mayo celebrations with nightlife, drink specials, and music is more of a party atmosphere than a traditional cultural festival — perfect if you’re looking for a social evening out.  .

 Cinco de Mayo @ the MACC
For all‑day Cinco de Mayo event, head to the  Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) that is offering cultural programming and performances.

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Throughout February, citizens throughout America and beyond are setting time aside to celebrate Black History Month.  It’s also a perfect time to use this opportunity to engage children in the culture, history and contributions of African Americans.
With some research, we have selected and are now offering some fun and creative ways to educate our youth on the importance of Black History Month and all that it stands for.
Our family at Cantera apartments in El Paso, Texas encourages you to try some of the ideas below to honor the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans who have helped shaped our nation.
 
A Colorful Handshake

Using brown and white construction paper, have your children draw their hand-print on each piece of paper.  Have them cut the shape of the hands – ensuring the fingers are traced and cut out as well.  Once completed, have them intertwine the hands and fingers to create a colorful handshake.  

Talk about other children in their school where they could do the same, then encourage them to reach out to each other to have a real handshake to recognize their friendship – no matter what color their skin or culture may be. 
   
Visit El Paso’s Libraries

Throughout the city, our local libraries have events that focus on African Americans who have been influential in the history and evolution of El Paso. Connect with your local libraries and support their efforts to expand awareness during Black History Month – and throughout the year as well. 
El Paso Library Map

El Paso Community Libraries:

•    Amigo
•    Bookmobile
•    Chamizal
•    Clardy Fox 
•    Dorris Van Doren
•    Enrique Moreno Valle Bajo
•    Esperanza Acosta Moreno
•    Irving Schwartz
•    Jenna Welch & Laura Bush
•    Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista
•    Judge Marquez
•    Main Library
•    Memorial Park
•    Richard Burges
•    Sergio Troncoso
•    Westside 

Watch a Movie!

One of the easiest and most memorable ways to educate children (and adults for that matter) about inspirational stories about African Americans is through the movies. Here’s a list that you may want to show to your family this month:

•    Hidden Figures (Ages 10+) The story of the Black women mathematicians who contributed to NASA space missions

•    The Journey of Henry Box Brown (Ages 5+) The story of a former slave who mailed himself in a box for a chance for freedom

•    March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changes the World (Ages 4+) A story that shares Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington for equal citizenship rights. 

•    Ruby Bridges (Ages 8+) The story of a 6-year-old girl who was amongst the first to integrate into a public school.  

Stop and Go Educational Moment 

We had never heard of this before, yet did you know that the colors of the traffic lights were invented by an African American?  This is an easy lesson that can lead from the kitchen into the backyard and beyond. In the Kitchen: Think of ways to use the colors of green, yellow and red on treats that everyone will love … we can smell those homemade cupcakes and now!

Once the goods have been made (and perhaps enjoyed), head outside for the good old-fashion game of “Red Rover!”

But wait, there’s more!

Click into our Blog later this month for more creative ideas to inspire and educate young people about Black History Month.
 

The post Creative Ways for Kids to Celebrate Black History Month (Part One) appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

The post Top Reasons to Move to El Paso, Texas (Part Two) appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

So how did St. Patrick’s Day get started, and why is the Shamrock so symbolic? 
We did some research and found the most susctinct story via History.com.  Within this site, as noted below, you will learn that although it orginally started within the Catholic faith, today it has evolved into a world wide celebration of the Irish. 
The following details are courtesy of
 History.com.
“St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage."
Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
In the centuries following Patrick’s death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.”
This following synopsis may be the ideal talking point at your dinner celebration (note: see our first blog of this month for delicious ideas to pull your party off at Cantera Apartments in El Paso!
St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
May the luck of the Irish be with you and yours this month, and all year-round!
 

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We are thrilled to bring our blogs back that are full of things to do and see in El Paso, TX.  As you start to dive into this list, get your calendar in front of you and get ready to get outside your apartment in El Paso to enjoy a full summer filled with events.  Keep your eye on our blog for a continued list of places to go this year with your friends and family by your side.
 
Concordia Cemetery Ghost Tour 
June 5, 2021
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Concordia Cemetery
 
Perfect for those who seek paranormal activity

Here’s an idea for very unusual Date Nights.  Head on over to the Concordia Cemetery and take part in their popular Ghost Tours.  According to their website, there are “over 60,000 souls resting within its walls” and noted as “literally a city of the dead… with a host of ghosts-in-residence. Some of the spirits are said to include the fascinating Lady Flo (‘the lady in white’) as well as the notorious Old West gunslinger John Wesley Hardin.”

Those who are more in-tune to paranormal activity have talked about “unexplained sounds such as the hoofbeats of horses or the laughter of children have been reported coming from the cemetery at night.”

Here’s more insight and you can learn more at https://www.ghosts915.org/.  “Bring your cameras and become the Ghost Hunter as you learn about the history, mystery, and lore of this historic landmark. Meet at the Yandell entrance to the cemetery at 8:30pm. Ages 10 and up. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult over 21. Proceeds to benefit Concordia Cemetery for preservation and restoration purposes. The Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit.”

Jamie Munguia 
June 19, 2021
1:30 p.m.
UTEP Don Haskins Center
A Middleweight battle of the best

If you have never experienced a live boxing match, this month is your month to do so.  Make time to head over to the UTEP Don Haskins Center to watch Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) return to the ring.  Follow this link to get all the specifics for this much-anticipated return of the boxing world.

Mission Trail June Art Market
June 20, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
San Elizario Historic District

The Mission Valley’s premier art and craft sale is set for June 20, 2021.  Make it a date with your Dad this Father’s Day to take the day off and support the local artisans of El Paso and beyond.  It’s a full day of entertainment with two shows appearing on the stage at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.  At 4:00 p.m. you can also watch  their Special Cultural Presentations that are all family friendly and free.    

San Elizario Historic District June Tours
June 27, 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

If you are looking for something to do that includes a healthy hike, save this date to participate in the San Elizario Historic District guided walking tours.  The hikes are available on the 4th Sunday of every month and last about an hour during this interpretive stroll.  Reservations are suggested.  And be sure to bring a hat, water, and your camera to capture the beauty that surrounds this historic district. 
 
Camp Latinitas 2021
June 28, 2021 – June 30, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 (512) 900-0304

Call all girls and nonbinary students ages 9 -14, this one is all about YOU!  Time to into some summer fun.  Camp Latinitas is back with five (bilingual) virtual camps.  Learn all about filmmaking, fashion, leadership, health and fitness and much more Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – Noon or 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration is underway and camps will take place Monday-Friday, with two options from 10am to 12pm OR 1pm to 3pm.  The camps include Cine Chica, Design Chica, Power Chica, Healthy Chica, and Game Chica.
Camps are $50 dollars for every week and SCHOLARSHIPS are available!

Access to a computer and internet will be required. If you do not have access to a computer or internet, please contact the organization for assistance. 

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