Disney's Epcot Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Immersive Mexico Pavilion
Walt Disney World's Mexico pavilion in Epcot is one of the most immersive and culturally rich areas of the park. Each year, it celebrates Cinco de Mayo, a holiday commemorating Mexico's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
The pavilion itself is unique because it is the only completely enclosed World Showcase pavilion. This is due to the fact that in Mexico, residents typically take siestas during the day and socialize at night, which explains why the area feels so lively in the evenings.
Mariachi Cobre, a band of internationally acclaimed mariachi musicians, has been performing at the pavilion since 1982. Formed in 1971, the group was founded by Randy Carillo on guitar, his brother Stephen on trumpet, Mack Ruiz on violin, and Francisco Grijalva as the arranger who also played in the group.
The Mexico pavilion also features a popular boat ride called Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. This attraction, which replaced El Rio del Tiempo in 2007, takes guests through the history and culture of Mexico from Mayan high priests to modern merchants.