By Kerry Curry
April 29, 2010

Texas was once part of Mexico, and its residents still follow many south-of-the-border traditions—including celebrating the popular Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo. Throughout the state, the 5th of May is a day to remember the victory of the Mexican militia over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In Texas, that means festivals, music, dancing, food and fun with your pets.

The great state of Texas loves to celebrate in a big way, and its city folk know how to put on a party. So check out the Cinco de Mayo parades, listen to mariachi bands, down a cold Dos Equis, and wear your sombrero with pride.

In Dallas, start your day on May 1 at the largest Cinco de Mayo parade in North Texas. Your dog is welcome to mosey down the parade route with you, ending up at the main stage where you can get down to live Latin jazz, Tejano (Tex-Mex music) and Spanish rock.

In the afternoon, leave the pavement behind and bring your four-legged companion to White Rock Lake, just minutes from downtown, where you can relax along nine miles of beautiful trails and shade trees. If you want to let your dog off leash, try Unleashed, a large indoor, air-conditioned dog park with amenities for both humans and canines.

Later, celebrate the holiday with dinner and drinks at Dallas’ Urban Taco, a modern, upscale take on the taquerias of Mexico City. Your pooch on a leash is allowed on the outdoor patio. Afterward, swing by Lee Harvey’s, an old-time watering hole with a roomy outdoor patio where dogs (and even cats) are welcome.

In Fort Worth, let your pooch make new amigos at Fort Woof, an off-leash, outdoor dog park with lots of room to roam, green grass, shade trees and a wading pool for your pup.

On Saturday evening, May 1, enjoy live mariachi music and ballet folklorico in the outdoor plaza at the Rose Marine Theater north of downtown Fort Worth, while you and your pet snack on treats from area Tex-Mex restaurants.

If you go, these hotels are pet-friendly:

Dallas:
W Dallas Victory Hotel
Hotel ZaZa
Hotel Palomar

Fort Worth:
Ashton Hotel
Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel

Photos courtesy of: Rose Marine Theater, Lee Harvey’s, Unleashed, and Fort Woof