Although commonly mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. In the U.S., the holiday is viewed as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage involving parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional Mexican food and drink. Here are a few local restaurants in The Woodlands area where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2017 this Friday. Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen 20 Waterway Ave., Ste. 110, The Woodlands 281-419-5771 www.cycloneanaya.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Escalante’s Mexican Restaurant 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd., Ste. 100, The Woodlands 281-292-7800 www.escalantes.net Friday hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. El Bosque Mexican Restaurant 19073 I-45 N., Ste. 135, Shenandoah 936-321-9860 www.elbosquemexicangrill.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Guadalajara Hacienda 27885 I-45 S., The Woodlands 281-362-0774 www.guad.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Herrera’s Mexican Restaurant 9420 College Park Drive, Conroe 936-273-5466 www.herrerasmexicanrestaurant.net Friday hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Mario’s Mexican Restaurant 610 Rayford Road, Ste. 650, Spring 281-367-9336 www.mariosmexican.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mi Rancho Mexican Grill & Bar 19189 I-45 N., Shenandoah 281-651-4856 www.miranchomexicangrill.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Pallotta’s Mexican Grill 2211 Rayford Road, Ste. 119, Spring 281-362-1114 www.pallottasmexgrill.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Rico’s Mexican Grill 8000 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 200, The Woodlands 281-465-4820 www.ricosgrill.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Yucatan Taco Stand 24 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands 281-419-6300 www.yucatantacostand.com Friday hours: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.