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NO, IT'S NOT Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the 1862 defeat of French troops in Puebla, Mexico. And on this side of the border, it means celebrating Mexican culture in the best way we know how: with music, food, margaritas and beer. Here are a few fiestas to mark this spirited holiday:

Margaritas & Imax: A Latin-themed Friday evening at Fernbank helps get a jump on Cinco revelry. The event features Mexican beers, margarita-tinis, chicken taco salads and live jazz from Kompani. Choose from one of three Imax films: "Journey Into Amazing Caves," "Grand Canyon Adventure" and "Mystic India." 5:30-10 p.m. May 2. $32 for one movie ticket, a taco salad and one drink. Or $15 for movie only. $7 cover charge (if no movie ticket purchased) after 6:30 p.m. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta. 404-929-6400, www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Elissa Eubanks/Staff (ENLARGE)
Margaritas (of course) will be part of Pozole's 'Block Party.'
Jenni Girtman/Staff (ENLARGE)
Fiesta Atlanta's family-friendly Cinco de Mayo observance takes place in Centennial Olympic Park.
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Virginia-Highland Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Block Party: This block party, presented by Pozole Mexican Restaurant, will be held behind Limerick Junction and promises live music with Loverush, Metalsome Inc. and Gringo Star, plus authentic Mexican food, beer, a margarita bar, hot pepper-eating and piñata-smashing contests. $5. May 5. Gates open at 4 p.m. Music starts at 5 p.m. Enter off Greenwood Avenue, west of North Highland. 404-892-0552, www.atlantacincodemayo.com.

Fiesta Atlanta: The family-friendly blowout combines sports events, children's activities, music, food and crafts in Centennial Olympic Park. Attractions include the Torneo de Futbol 3v3 soccer tournament, inflatables, face painting, animal adoption, 100 exhibitors and a packed entertainment lineup featuring mariachi music and live salsa all day. Beer and food for sale, cash only. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 4. Centennial Olympic Park. 265 Park Ave. West N.W., Atlanta. 404-350-0200, www.fiestaatlanta.com.

Cinco de Spiral: Authentic Mexican food, rock 'n' roll, margaritas, mojitos and drag queens are the highlights of this Little Five Points extravaganza. Spanning side-by-side restaurants Front Page News and Sabroso Mexicano, the party will showcase Sabroso's new traditional menu and feature tequila tastings (3-5 p.m.); music by Francisco Vidal Band at Front Page News (9 p.m.-1 a.m.); DJ Diagnostik spinning on Sabroso's patio (4-8 p.m.); and the Chynna Fox Hot Latin Review at Sabroso (10 p.m.-1 a.m.). $5 in advance online at www.spiralentertainment.com; $10 at the door. 3 p.m. May 3. Front Page News and Sabroso Mexicano, 351 Moreland Ave. 404-475-8888, www.spiralentertainment.com.

Pure Taqueria: The popular cantina holds an all-day party under a tent in the parking lot featuring Latin music by Son Caribe and salsa dancing lessons starting at 7 p.m. No cover. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 3. Pure Taqueria. 103 Roswell St., Alpharetta. 678-240-0023, www.puretaqueria.com.

RELATED LINKS:

• Cinco de Mayo calendar

• Cinco de Mayo recipes

• Top Mexican restaurants