This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Get your fiesta on with these events happening in and around Gilroy this May 5.

Cinco de Mayo is a favorite holiday among Americans, though many may not realize the celebration's origins.

May 5 is commemorated regionally in Mexico as the anniversary of the Batalla de Puebla, the day in 1862 when the underdog Mexican army defeated occupying French forces under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Sequin.

Whether you are saying salud to General Sequin or to your hang-over, check out these Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on tomorrow in and around Gilroy.

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When/Where: Saturday, May 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Willey Cultural Center, located at 140 First St. 

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What: Though not billed as a Cinco de Mayo celebration, the timing worked out just right for this fundraiser to fall on the day when tequila sales go through the roof. Sample some of the finest agave around at this annual event that raises money for local nonprofits that support Latino causes. Not into tequila? Local wines, beer and non-alcoholic aguas frescas will also be served. Organizers are providing authentic Mexican appetizers to give tasters the fortitude to last all evening. More than just tasting, the event aims to educate attendees on the most potent of spirits.

Price: $35. Tickets are available at the event's website. For more information, call (408) 476-0051 or email aaguirre.­paz@­gmail.­com.

Cinco de Mayo 2012 Celebration

When/Where: Saturday, May 5 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at El Jardin Tequila Bar, 368 Santana Row, San Jose.

What: Tequila seems to be everywhere on Cinco de Mayo but it's always in the spotlight at El Jardin Tequila Bar and Restaurant in San Jose. The eatery is holding a veritable fiesta Saturday with live music, Mexican food and spirits, games, pinatas, dancing and DJs. Margaritas, mojitos and other Latin cocktails as well as the bar's rare and exotic 100 percent pure blue agave tequilas are all just waiting to be poured.

Price: Entry is free. For more information, call (408) 246-1744.

Cinco DeMeow & Barko de Mayo

When/Where: Saturday, May 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Unleashed by Petco, 2007 Camden Ave., San Jose.

What: Who says pets can't celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Bring your pooch, kitty or cockatiel to Unleashed for a furry fiesta. Chips and salsa will be provided by the bipedal among us while pets can meet other four-legged friends. A giant margarita glass stuffed with pet toys will be raffled away and refreshments for pets will be provided.

Price: Free.

Are you Patched in? Get our free newsletter in your inbox every morning. Register here.

 Into social media? So are we. Join us on FacebookTwitter or instagr.am (@gilroy_patch).

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?