CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Home to nearly a dozen Mexican restaurants, Carmichael last week rolled out red, white and green flags for Cinco de Mayo.

In the space of several hours, more than 300 people"'eating, drinking and being mucho merry"'crammed Cantina Azteca on Fair Oaks Boulevard. The fiesta was the first Cinco celebrated by most restaurants since gatherings were nixed by pandemic restrictions in 2019. Floodgates opened and margaritas flowed. “It’s like the old days are coming back,” rejoiced Cantina Azteca owner Ismael Pantoja.

The restaurateur provided performances by Aztec dancers and mariachi musicians. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The date remains precious to naturalized American Pantoja. “Two years without a Cinco de Mayo are like two years without Christmas,” he said.

“It’s great to feel normal again. I made plans for a big celebration without knowing what response to expect. I was surprised by how many people came. It was an opportunity to thank customers who’ve supported us. This community turnout makes me positive about the future.”

Like many restaurateurs Pantoja has been badly hit by the pandemic"'followed by cost inflation and the difficulty of retaining staff. “We’ve had a tough time,” he said. “But May 5 encouraged us that the good old days might be coming back, at last.”