Que Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Cue the mariachi band music, put on that sombrero, and grab yourself a handful of tortilla chips—Cinco de Mayo is here.

Tomorrow marks the celebration of Cinco de Mayo- which translates to “5th of May”—a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, observed in parts of Mexico and the United States.

Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is actually a commemoration of the Battle of Puebla, a hard-won victory by the outnumbered Mexican militia over French forces in 1862, according to History.com.

But here in New Jersey, Cinco de Mayo is a good excuse for some music, dancing and food. Bars and restaurants throughout our area will be joining in the fun, with live bands, food and drink specials, and parties. Read on for a few suggestions for where to celebrate, and feel free to add your own ideas to the Comments section.

Tinga Taqueria—215 Bellevue Ave, Montclair, (973) 509-8226—contests, specials and frozen drinks (bring your own tequila!) all week

—372 W Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, (973) 992-0001—party noon to 2 a.m. with a LIVE radio broadcast with WDHA from noon-4 p.m., games, food, and drinks deep into the night

Just Jakes—30 Park St, Montclair, (973) 655-8987—live music from Los Más Valientes starting at 7 p.m.

—555 Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell, (973) 882-8940—terrific drinks including sangria, margaritas, mojitos and more!

Chevys Fresh Mex—365 Route 3 East, Clifton, (973) 777-6277—fiesta kicks off at 3 p.m. with great events including mechanical bull-riding, Red Bull MXT mobile party truck, summer fashion show featuring some of the area’s best fashion designers, taco-eating contest & more. The live music will be going all day including some of New Jersey's most popular cover bands, The Flying Mueller Brothers, The Replicants & Nine Deeez Nite will perform under Chevys outdoor tented stage and DJ Denny Tsettos and DJ Cruel 1 will keep the music going inside and out. Later in the evening, Chevys host its’ first annual “Miss Cinco” contest where contestants will vie for this coveted crown. Tickets for the outdoor party are $10 (cash only) $5 before 6 p.m.

Señorita’s Mexican Grill—285 Glenwood Ave, Bloomfield, (973) 743-0099 

Jose Tejas—647 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, (973) 808-8201

Pepper Mexican Grill—377 N Broad St, Bloomfield, (973) 870-8373

537 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, (973) 744-6839

—18 Grove Ave, Verona, (973) 239-1399

—392 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, (973) 228-9555

—23 Valley St, South Orange, (973) 761-1515

—6 Highland Pl Maplewood, (973) 763-5150

10 Main St, West Orange, (973) 736-8869

292 Main St, West Orange, (973) 324-0656

—100 Broadway, Newark, (973) 268-1001

—181 Jefferson St, Newark, (973) 274-1119

—81 Ferry St, Newark, (973) 344-7600