Miguel Gonzalez, son of Miguel Gonzalez, chef at La Posada. This young man works on a Norwegian cruise ship based in Hawaii, and was here for the celebration. Photos by Marilyn Rosenthal.
Se Acabo playing at the Milford Theater as part of the Cinco de Mayo weekend festivities.
The entrance to La Posada.
Inside the restaurant.
About 500 people were celebrating Cinco de Mayo at La Posada and Felix’s Cantina.
They were inside, outside and even on the street.
“It was an absolutely spectacular evening filled with laughter, conversation, and very high energy,” said loyal customer Pat Cantor.
People were joyous and the atmosphere was infectious. To borrow an old adage: “You don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!”
No strangers in the room
It was also a tribute to the Rosado family and the restaurant, considering that they only just open one year ago.
Perhaps it’s the warm, welcoming, homey atmosphere that draws people out.
People were talking with others they didn’t know.
There was intense good energy.
And there were no strangers in the room.
Even the wait staff was smiling.
Outside, at the back of the restaurant, people were dancing and there was Mexican street-food, such as El Pastor tacos and elote (Mexican roasted corn) being served.
‘Dios de Luz’ larger
There was a special menu developed for the occasion, as well as a custom lager called “Dios de Luz,” created by local neighbor, Log Tavern Brewing Company.
“We had a blast making our newest beer release in celebration of La Posada’s one year anniversary,” the brewing company said in a statement. “It’s a crisp, golden Mexican lager and will be on tap at the restaurant and the Brewing Company.”
Several customers gave rave it reviews.
“It’s like some familiar lagers, but better– it has a slightly special taste,” local resident Don Metcalf said. “It’s memorable. I hope they serve it year-round.”
Se Acabo concert
Part of the weekend celebration was the Se Acabo concert on Saturday, at the Milford Theater. This Santana tribute band has played here before.
Pat Marcinko III and his band played many of the Santana favorites such as “Oye Como Va” and “Jingo.”
In addition to the guys playing keyboard, bass, congas, timbales, a trumpet and trombone, there was a new addition to the band, vocalist Sue Lake. She brought her special vivacity and energy to the group. They performed several encores and received a standing ovation from the audience.
It was the perfect ending to a very special weekend celebration.
Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.