If you need another excuse to celebrate this bank holiday Monday, remember that it is also Cinco de Mayo.
Thousands of people will be relishing all things Mexican as countries around the world celebrate the Mexican holiday.
But what is it and how can Londoners get involved in the festivities?
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during Franco-Mexican War.
While it is a relatively minor occasion in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo in the US is a large, joyous celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for fifth of May, so is celebrated on this date every year to mark the Battle of Puebla.
It’s not a federal holiday in Mexico so offices, banks and stores stay open.
Baby Alexander and his father Alfonso Mendoza attend Cinco de Mayo festivities at El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
What was the Battle of Puebla?
In response to Mexico being unable to repay its debt to European governments, France, then ruled by Napoleon III, invaded the small Mexican town of Puebla de Los Angeles in 1862.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Mexican army defeated the French.
The victory was short-lived, however, as France would later go on to occupy Mexico for a number of years.
Still, Cinco de Mayo is a cause for celebration in Puebla and in the US, especially in areas with a large Mexican-American population.
Why is Cinco de Mayo important in Mexican culture?
For many Mexican-Americans, Cinco de Mayo is seen as a celebration of their heritage.
Cinco de Mayo in the US has its roots in the 1960s, when many Mexican-American activists who were involved in the country’s civil rights movement used the day as a source of pride.
Mexicans re-enact the Battle of Puebla during Cinco de Mayo
Susana Gonzalez/Newsmakers
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?
In Puebla, thousands of locals gather to take part in a massive parade, dressing as French and American soldiers to re-enact the war.
The holiday has become more commercialised in the US and is all about Mexican food, culture, traditions and, of course, tequila.
How to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in London?
Sweeties will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo party on the 10th floor of The Standard hotel, featuring DJs and bar classics, continuing the next day into a Mexican-themed brunch.
Hackney Church Brewery is offering a musical fiesta with salsa, bachata and reggaeton from noon till midnight. You can also grab yourself a birria taco or two for one frozen margaritas. Also in Hackney, Latin American group Movimentos are bringing mariachi music, food vendors, live dance and a Mexican market to Hackney across two days.
Jeroboams is offering a tequila tasing event, starring every variety of the booze from blanco to mezcal. Cocktail bar Oriole is offering live Latin music alongside tacos al pastor, crab chilaquiles and churros. The trio of Cinco de Mayo cocktails is not to be missed.
Finally, brunch on the 15th floor of The Treehouse Hotel at Madera in Langham Place, Oxford Circus promises to be a bottomless fiesta. For just £45, guests can enjoy flowing margaritas and tacos to celebrate the occasion.