Writer Shannon Severson // Photo Courtesy of The Maggiore Group

Cinco de Mayo is traditionally a single-day celebration when the hankering for tacos and tequila just can’t be denied and diners go in search of just the right fiesta.

This year, Scottsdale eatery The Mexicano is extending its Cinco de Mayo celebration into an extravagant three-day long festival of food, drink, music and even Lucha Libre wrestling in the restaurant’s parking lot.

But it’s about much more than just the fun of an evening out. The Mexicano’s owner and operator, chef Joey Maggiore, will donate a portion of the proceeds to Childhelp — an organization that assists victims of child abuse and neglect.

“The Childhelp Foundation is a cause close to my heart,” Maggiore says. “So people can party with a purpose.”

The Mexicano is already known for its nouveau Mexican cuisine, innovative drinks and energetic atmosphere and Maggiore is renowned for over-the-top events that match his creativity in the kitchen, but the Cinco de Mayo festival will really turn up the heat.

“At The Mexicano, we’re all about bringing the party,” Maggiore says. “With this as our everyday brand and with it being our first Cinco de Mayo celebration as a new Mexican restaurant, my only motivation for our three-day Cinco de Mayo festival was to go big, or go home.”

Admission includes five tickets redeemable for elevated street-style food, drinks at the Modelo Beer and Don Julio Margarita gardens, entertainment by a live DJ and yard and carnival games. The Mexicano’s festival menu will include tacos, burritos, churros and more. Additional tickets for food and drinks may also be purchased online or on the night of the event.

Each night will feature four or five wrestling matches, dubbed Cinco de Mayo Rumble. Mexican Luchadores, including Psycho Clown and other well-known names in the world of Lucha Libre wrestling, will vie for two different championship titles — one on Cinco de Mayo and the second over the course of Friday and Saturday, a two-day tournament with different wrestlers. The first champion will receive a custom-built Mexican championship belt on the night of Cinco de Mayo.

“I knew I wanted something grand to keep the energy high and exciting for the entire weekend,” Maggiore says. “What’s bigger and badder than top Mexican luchadores battling it out in a full wrestling ring in the middle of a parking lot? Guest expectations should be a blowout event with high-energy entertainment, elevated food and great drinks with heavy pours.”

Experience
Cino de Mayo Festival // May 5–7 // 3–11 p.m. // The Mexicano // 4801 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale // $35; free admission for children 12 and younger // themexicano.com