SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Communities nationwide, and at home, are coming together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a vibrant cultural tradition.
The holiday honors the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla.
Celebrating resilience and unity, one local restaurant in Scranton, Italo’s, is joining in with festive specials and dishes for the occasion.
After 15 years with Italo’s, Clari said recognizing Cinco de Mayo at the restaurant carries an even deeper significance.
“They opened actually on Cinco de Mayo. So, this is the 16th time they’re celebrating it. You know they get pretty busy. I’ve worked 15 years out of the 16, and it gets pretty busy here,” said Clari.
Clari highlighted some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and current specials, adding that the atmosphere is warm and close-knit, with strong bonds between staff and returning customers.
“The tacos, the Benjamin Quesadilla, the tortas. Everything here is so good. You can’t really go wrong with anything. $3 Corona Premier Draft, and they’re doing $5 margaritas. Frozen on the rocks, whatever you like,” said Clari.
“It’s like a family here. Like a big family,” said Clari.