By Laura Woods, Contributor
Cinco de Mayo -- or May 5 -- is celebrated annually to honor the day in 1862 when the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla, during the Franco-Mexican War. Contrary to popular belief, the occasion does not commemorate Mexican independence, as this occurred more than 50 years prior.
You might be surprised to learn that Cinco de Mayo is actually more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico -- but it's true. Similar to St. Patrick's Day, when Americans band together to honor the Irish regardless of their own ethnicity, people can't get enough of Cinco de Mayo. If you're planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2016, here are the best deals on Mexican food and drinks to help you have fun without overspending.
Cinco de Mayo Margarita Deals, Taco Specials and More
An estimated 87.3 million pounds of avocados are consumed per year on May 5, according to the California Avocado Commission and tequila sales at U.S. bars and restaurants more than double. This year, save money on your Cinco de Mayo drink and food purchases with these special offers.
DoorDash: Sign up for DoorDash to get $5 off your first delivery and in certain cities, you can have Taco Bell delivered to your doorstep on Cinco de Mayo and every day.
Eat24: Use coupon code RELAX to get $2 off your order until Dec. 31, allowing you to get a Cinco de Mayo discount without leaving your couch.
Green Burrito: Buy one Burrito El Diablo and get a second free with this printable coupon through May 31.
Mad Mex: Enjoy breakfast burritos, eggchiladas and cornbread starting at 9 a.m. as part of the Mad Mex Cinco de Mayo party. All day drink specials include 22-ounce Dos Equis drafts for $5 and a $1 off all Mexican bottles and cans. Regular happy hour and late nght specials will be honored, in addition to some special games and giveaways.
Moe's: As part of its annual Cinco de Moe's event, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last and participating locations will offer $5 burritos.
On the Border: Enjoy 14-ounce Cinco Cup House Margaritas for $4, 14-ounce Cinco Cup Dos Equis Lager, Dos Equis Amber and Corona Light Drafts for $3, a variety of Cinco Shots for $2 to $4, Dos Equis Lager, Corona and Corona Light bottles for $3 and commemorative t-shirts for $10 at participating locations.
Rubio's: Get a free Taquitos Platter with any catering purchase of $125 or more.
Taco Bueno: Party Tacos will be half price -- $0.59 -- all day.
Taco Cabana: Enjoy happy hour on Cinco de Mayo from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring $1.50 margaritas and a $3 small nacho and margarita combo. Additionally, Taco Cabana will celebrate Seis de Mayo by receiving one free breakfast taco when you dine-in during breakfast hours from May 6 to May 8.
Taco Del Mar: Take part in the annual Cinco de Mayo 5 pound burrito eating challenge at participating locations.
Taco Mayo: A new mystery item will be added to the menu on Cinco de Mayo 2016.
Tijuana Flats: Enjoy 48 hours of Cinco de Mayo specials, including a Tijuana Burrito, chips and a drink for $5, with the option to add a draft beer for $1 on May 5 and $2 tacos on May 6.
Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar: Start the weekend early with $0.99 domestic drafts -- premium drafts not included -- and Twisted Teas. Additionally, domestic longnecks will be $1.99.Cinco de Mayo Food Savings With Loyalty Clubs
From fast food chains to sit-down restaurants, save money on your Cinco de Mayo celebration by signing up for email newsletters and loyalty clubs at your favorite Mexican restaurants.
Baja Fresh: Get a free taco when you join Club Baja.
Chevy's Fresh Mex: Sign up for the Compadres Club and get a free appetizer.
Del Taco: Join the Raving Fan eClub and get two free grilled chicken tacos.
Don Pablo's: Join the Habaneros Rewards Club to get a free dip sampler.
El Torito: Register for the e-Club and get a free appetizer with the purchase of two adult entrees.
Taco John's: Get a free meat and potato burrito when you sign up for email updates.Celebrating Cinco de Mayo doesn't mean you have to break the bank. Whether you're spending time at the bar on May 5, or celebrating into the weekend with friends and tacos, make sure to use these deals.
More from GOBankingRates:
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.