HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Chucktown ​Cinco
PHOTO BY NIKKI GLENN
Kick off May with a day of Mexican fiestas
​
BY REBECCA KRELL
From mustaches to maracas to frozen margaritas, Cinco de Mayo in Charleston might not be the same as celebrating on the shores of Mexico, but it has its own charm. Before placing your margarita order, though, a little history lesson. Most people think May 5 marks the Mexican day of independence, but it is actually when Mexico defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
The seventh annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival, from 6 to 11 p.m., will take place under the downtown Visitor Center bus shed terminal, between Anne and John streets. There will be live salsa music, dance lessons and competitions, authentic food and drinks to spare. It’s sure to be a spicy celebration, but it also has a philanthropic mission. All proceeds will go to Nuevos Caminos, a nonprofit organization that serves the Lowcountry's Hispanic community. Its mission is to promote self-sufficiency, success and shared community through outreach, education and advocacy. This is the largest and most well known Cinco de Mayo event in Charleston, so plan ahead. Tickets can be purchased before the event at charlestoncinco.com for $10 or at the door for $15.
If you're looking for more of a traditional Mexican restaurant there are several options that also promise a fun evening.
La Nortena has authentic Mexican dishes that are constantly changing to keep up with chefs south of the border. The owner, Louis Aguirre, frequently travels to Mexico in search of new dishes to bring back to his customers. 6275 Rivers Ave.
El Dorado also has authentic Mexican cuisine, but with a unique feature for those with a grumbling stomach. There is a seemingly endless buffet that can feed a couple for less than $20. 1109 Savannah Hwy.
Santi's has good food in large portions. Leave with more than enough food and a buzz for less than $15 a person. 1302 Meeting Street Road
Taco Boy has a large, unique outdoor bar adorned with festive lights year-round that will remind you of Christmas. This restaurant is sure to offer an entertaining atmosphere. 217 Huger St.
Yo Burrito offers Mexican cuisine for those with eating restrictions as well as people who love the more traditional dishes. There are several vegan and gluten-free meal options. 77 Wentworth St.
If you're looking for a different scene, several non-Mexican restaurants will be opening their doors and putting on their party sombreros as well.
Southend Brewery will have nachos, margaritas, beer and free salsa lessons beginning at 10 p.m. Get there early for admission to this free event. 161 East Bay St.
The Tattooed Moose, which will be hosting its fourth annual party, promises t have plenty to eat and drink and will even supply piñatas. Entry is free. 1137 Morrison Drive
What better way is there to mark the anniversary of the Cinco de Mayo battle than by battling the inevitable post-Cinco hangover?
Let Freedom Ring
PHOTO COURTESY PATRIOTS POINT Patriots Point NAVAL AND MARITIME MUSEUM
Fourth of July Roundup​
BY ALYSSA BOTTS
Most Americans know the best place to set off fireworks is the beach, and what better city to commemorate Independence Day than Charleston? From historic downtown to Mount Pleasant, Summerville or Folly Beach, there are plenty of activities throughout the week to celebrate Independence Day.
Start the week off with pride on July 1st as historic Summerville transforms into an Independence Day street festival for the annual Red, White and Blue on the Green Celebration. Highlights include an Uncle Sam and Miss Liberty costume contest followed by a parade around Hutchinson Square led by Mayor Bill Collins. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. there will be live music by The Starlings, food vendors, face painting for children and a dunk tank for those who dare. Three bucks (or two with a military ID) will earn you a wristband entitling you to unlimited games. Call Summerville D.R.E.A.M. at (843) 821-7260 for more information.
This Independence Day, Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant hopes to top its 2012 celebration, in which 25,000 people came out to America’s National Carrier Aviation Museum to watch the fireworks display, listen to live music, grub out on local foods and enjoy the Kidz Zone. For this year’s 4th of July Blast, Patriots Point and partners made their largest investment ever in pyrotechnics, anticipating that their fireworks display from the deck of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier will be the most spectacular ever. Free admission to landside entertainment, the Kidz Zone and fireworks display. Visit patriotspoint.org or call (843) 831-1720 for more information.
If you’re looking to break a sweat in style, grab some dancing shoes for the July 4th Uncle Sam Jam at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Stretching 1,250 feet into Charleston Harbor at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the pier is an ideal spot to feel the breeze and watch the area’s fireworks display while you groove to live beach music by Permanent Vacation. Drinks are available for on-site purchase and food is provided by the Riverwatch Cafe. Purchase tickets online or call (843) 795-4386. Gates open at 7 p.m.
Honor your country on the banks of the Cooper River at the city of North Charleston’s largest sponsored event. The annual 4th of July Festival will once again be held at the Riverfront Park, home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial. The festival features nationally renowned performers, a variety of food vendors, activities for children and a fireworks display to cap off the night. A few helpful tips for attendees: bring chairs and blankets as there is no seating provided, no alcohol is permitted within the public park, all parking is free and shuttles are available. 1001 Everglades Drive, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., (843) 740-2520 or (843) 740-5854.
​ For a more low-key way to spend Independence Day, head to Folly Beach after sunset to watch the fireworks display from the shoreline. Go fishing off the Edwin S. Taylor Pier beforehand, enjoy dinner at Rita’s Seaside Grills or Taco Boy or simply bring your own for a picnic. However, if you’re looking for peace on Folly Beach over a party, avoid strolls to crowded spots near 10th Street during the day.