All over the Bay Area Saturday, people are celebrating Cinco de Mayo at venues including street fairs, mariachi concerts and, of course, restaurants.
One of the most prominent events is the San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Festival on Valencia Street between 21st and 24th streets in the heart of the city's Mission District, running until around 6 p.m. today.
Live social media posts from the event indicate that Zumba dancing is a big part of this year's festivities, along with music and entertainment on two stages, a kids' zone and a beer garden.
In Oakland, a Cinco de Mayo dance festival will rage on until 7 p.m. at Jack London Square, with turf battles hosted by Chuy Gomez, Randy McPhly and Johnny5 and live music from DJ NiQ and Freddy Flowpez.
There's also lowriders - beautifully restored classic cars that nearly scrape the asphalt, a tradition that began with the Chicano community - prize giveaways, vendors and food.
Attendance at these events is free, as the Cinco de Mayo concert at Half Moon Bay Concerts in the Park, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. today at Mac Dutra Plaza at the corner of Main Street and Kelly Avenue. The event features Mariachi San Francisco.
In East San Jose, hundreds gathered at Story Road and King Street celebrating the day and proudly waving the Mexican flag.
Bars and restaurants in the area prepared for a fun-filled day with hopes of the night ending peacefully.
"We want our customers to feel safe, make sure people have a good time and don't get out of hand," said Jorge Sanchez, owner of Chachos restaurant.
San Jose police officers and CHP officers will be on the lookout for drivers who might be under the influence.
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"We actually have special units and additional supervisors out tonight," said Officer Scott Niemeth. "They're not responding to crashes or other calls, they are 100 percent looking for motorists driving under the influence."
