Save time for a fiesta especial

Get out your mariachi outfit and prepare for huge crowds at bars on Monday. That’s right: Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner.

A holiday celebrated far more in America — especially California — than in Mexico, the day has taken on significance here as a cultural heritage day similar to St. Patrick’s Day or Oktoberfest.

While some mistake the date for Mexican Independence Day, it marks the Battle of Puebla, a victory of Mexican Army General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín against invading French forces in 1862. Unfortunately for Mexico, the French regrouped for a rematch the next year and defeated Mexican forces after a two-month siege. It took several more years for Mexico to drive out the occupying forces.

But Mexican-Americans in California took up the holiday as early as 1863, earlier even than Mexicans in Puebla, according to UCLA researchers. That makes it a Californian holiday first and foremost, according to academic papers.

In Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, planned celebrations are all about eating, drinking, and being merry. In addition to a host of beach bars and restaurants around Main Street that are likely to be packed, businesses throughout the area are offering something special on the holiday.

Boomer’s

16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley

This family fun park is offering a $14.99 wristband Saturday, Sunday and Monday that gives visitors unlimited miniature golf, rock wall climbing, bumper boat and go-cart rides. Wristbands are only valid on the day of purchase. For more information, call (714) 842-1111.

Fred’s Mexican Café

300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach

The Mexican restaurant is having its monthly Cinco de Fred’s party at 9 p.m, with games, prizes, music and a full bar. Ages 21+. For more information, call (714) 374-8226.

Gallagher’s Pub

300 Pacific Coast Hwy., No. 113, Huntington Beach

Party band QWIKSAND performs a benefit concert sponsored by Black Flys. Doors open for the show at 9 p.m. Ages 21+. For more information, call (714) 536-2422.

Huntington Beach Beer Co.

201 Main St., Suite E, Huntington Beach

The bar and restaurant is having its weekly Margarita Monday specials, which run $5 and offer a choice of tequilas. For more information, call (714) 960-5343.

Longboard Restaurant and Pub

217 Main St., Huntington Beach

This Main Street fixture is having specials and celebrations the first five days of May, from a tequila tasting at 6 tonight to food and drink specials on the holiday itself. On Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant serves Cancun lobster tacos for $10.95, steak burritos for $9.95, buckets of Mexican beers for $15.00, and several other specials. For more information, go to www.longboardpub.com or call (714) 960-1896.

No Ka Oi

215 Main St., Huntington Beach

This Hawaiian-themed restaurant is offering food and drink specials, including $7 chicken nachos, $8 ceviche, $5 margaritas and $4 Corazon tequila shots. For more information, call (714) 960-8300.

Sharkeez Sports Grill

211 Main St., Huntington Beach

The restaurant is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a live mariachi band and party lasting from 2 p.m. to closing time, in what manager calls their biggest party of the year. Come dressed up as a “bandito” or “señorita” to get ahead of the line. For more information, call (714) 960-5282.