Cinco de Mayo parties in Anchorage

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of Mexico over French forces at Puebla in 1862. In Anchorage this year, most of the celebrations seem to center on taco specials and tequila (not that there's anything wrong with that — but tell us, dear readers, is there a more culturally attuned celebration we're missing? Write us at play@alaskadispatch.com). Here are some options for Cinco de Mayo-themed menus, parties and music Friday.

Carnival at Tequila 61

Take in some Mexican cuisine, cocktails and music at Tequila 61. There will be a special lunch menu offered between 11 a.m.-4 p.m and a patio to hang out in if the weather's nice. Starting at 4 p.m. there will be a "carnival," with food stations carrying elotes, tamales, churros and other Mexican specialties, including drinks like agua fresca, craft margaritas, Mexican beer, tequila and mezcal. A live DJ will bring the party tunes after 9 p.m. Other events will include a taco eating contest, hot pepper eating contest and Mexican bingo with prizes for all the winners. 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, Tequila 61, 445 W. Fourth Ave. Free. (tequila61.com)

Don Jose's

There will be a live mariachi band and a chance to win 30,000 Alaska Airlines miles at this Cinco de Mayo celebration. Drawing at 7 p.m. Friday at 2052 E. Northern Lights Blvd. (alaskadonjoses.com)

Gallo's

If you go to Gallo's, expect food, music and giveaways — including a chance to win a trip to Mexico. 11 a.m.-midnight Friday, Gallo's Mexican Restaurants, 8311 Arctic Blvd., 8615 Old Seward Highway. Free. (Search "Cinco de Mayo at Gallo's" on Facebook to learn more.)

Deck party, 'sip and shop' at 49th State Brewing Co.

Spend Cinco de Mayo on 49th State's big deck. There will be live music from DJ Spencer Lee and special menu items, like $2.50 street tacos. The deck opens at 7 p.m. Downstairs there will be two rooms with over 30 vendors, including LipSense, VooDoo Jams, H2OHome, LuLaRoe and more. There will also be a food drive and silent auction, both to benefit Children's Lunchbox. The vendors will there from 6-11 p.m. Friday, 49th State Brewing Co., 717 W. Third Ave. (49statebrewing.com/anchorage)

First Friday at Cyrano's

Malcolm and Cindy Roberts will be doing readings and signing copies of their memoir "Magic Moments: Battles Worth Fighting and Joys Worth Celebrating," which captures the Roberts' four decades in Alaska and the international complexion of Anchorage. The cafe will serve a Mexican menu, as well as beer and wine. Enjoy complimentary Mexican-themed refreshments. Readings will be at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 1-7 p.m. Friday, Cyrano's Theatre Co., 413 D St. Free. (907-274-2599, cyrano@ak.net)

Costume party, improv comedy at Koot's

Eat all the nachos and tacos you want at Koot's for $5. There will be live music from Gas Station Disco and a Cinco de Mayo costume contest with cash prizes. Free entry if you're dressed in costume. 9 p.m.-midnight.

Also at Koot's, Chocolate Renaissance Theatre will serve up some improv comedy (and margarita fudge at the door). 8-10 p.m. Friday, Chilkoot Charlie's, 2435 Spenard Road. $10-$15. (907-980-9368, koots.com)

Williwaw's 'Cinco de Reggae' with H3

You might not automatically associate Cinco De Mayo with reggae — but this is Alaska, and so the two will inevitably find their way to the same party. Local reggae band H3 will play Williwaw, and there will be $5 margarita specials, cerveza, tacos, nachos and a Cinco de Mayo photobooth. 9 p.m.-midnight Friday, Williwaw, 601 F St. Free. williwawsocial.com/concerts-events

Humpy's

Humpy's will have a menu of Mexican food and drinks available, and there will be a jalapeno-popper eating contest and opportunities to win prizes. Nervis Rex will be taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. The patio will also be open. 11 a.m. Friday, Humpy's Great Alaskan Ale House, 610 W. Sixth Ave. Free. (humpysalaska.com/events)

The Raven

The Raven will be offering free food and music for Cinco de Mayo. Must be 21 or older. 7 p.m. Friday, The Raven, 708 E. Fourth Ave.