Macon celebrates Cinco de Mayo

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Balloons, and big tents, help to set the atmosphere for big fiestas.

It was all a part of Cinco de Mayo which commemorates the victory of the Mexican Militia over the French Army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862, on May 5.

Luis Ortiz is the General Manager at Margaritas Mexican Grill on Bowman Road. He says most people have the wrong perception of Cinco de Mayo.

“It was a war between Pueblo, Mexico and the French people,” says Ortiz. “So it’s not really Independence Day for Mexico. Everybody thinks that but it’s actually. Independence Day is actually Sept. 16.’

Katie Walden says she is a regular at Margaritas restaurant.

“I did know it was Cinco de Mayo,” says Walden. “Margaritas is my favorite restaurant. So, I wanted to come and celebrate.”

Angie Smith met a couple of friends at the restaurant for lunch.

“One of the ladies actually suggested Mexican, because it was Cinco De Mayo. So, it’s like no question about it,” says Smith.

Mexican restaurants in Middle Georgia featured food and drink specials during the celebration.

Brook Smith was among many taking advantage of the lunch specials, Monday.

“You can’t have Cinco de Mayo without having Margaritas and cheese dip,”says Smith.

Across town at La Parrilla on Riverside Drive the party was just getting started around 2 p.m.

Mikey Eller, an employee at the restaurant, says they have plans in place to handle the large crowd.

“Here at LaParrilla Cinco De Mayo has been one of the largest celebrations in Macon for the Mexican Fiesta,” says Eller.