Old Town San Diego Cinco de Mayo celebration
Old Town San Diego celebrated Cinco de Mayo with traditional crafts, food and entertainment, highlighting Mexican heritage deeply woven into the community’s fabric.
SAN DIEGO — Vibrant celebrations and cultural heritage took center stage over the weekend and on Monday as Old Town San Diego drew large crowds for its annual Cinco de Mayo festivities.
The historic district, known as the heartbeat of Mexican culture in San Diego, transformed into a colorful destination where visitors experienced traditional crafts, cuisine and entertainment throughout the weekend.
“We are here to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and just catch up as girlfriends,” said one visitor at Cafe Coyote Restaurant on San Diego Avenue. “It’s fun, and it’s a vibe when you’re here.”
The celebrations extended from restaurants along San Diego Avenue into Old Town Historic Park and El Centro Artesano, where shoppers browsed handcrafted Talavera pottery and other artisanal goods.
Isaac Suarez, who works at the market, explained the origins of the pottery displays.
“Some are local, like Tijuana, not that far, Rosarito, Tecate,” Suarez said. “But also a lot comes from all the way down in Southern Mexico, like Puebla, Oaxaca, and San Luis — different regions.”
He emphasized how the craftsmanship reflects cultural identity through patterns and brushstrokes.
“The culture and the meaning behind it, where it comes from, how it adapted to different regions. You definitely see people putting their style behind it,” Suarez said.
While primarily known as a tourist destination, Old Town offers immersive experiences in Mexican culture, including demonstrations of traditional tortilla-making by skilled tortilleras.
Alex Ward, executive director of the Old Town Chamber of Commerce, said the district provides a connection to shared history.
“It’s that strong shared connection with our history. Coming to Old Town reminds you of the struggles, the joy, everything that we all experience as people throughout our past,” Ward said.
The Chamber continues to encourage visitors beyond holiday celebrations.
“We’re always literally unearthing new facts about our past. So we always encourage folks to come out,” Ward said. “Even though it’s called Old Town, there’s always something new to discover here.”
The Cinco de Mayo celebration continues to serve as both a festive gathering and a reminder of the Mexican heritage deeply woven into San Diego’s community fabric.
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