Mexican restaurants throughout Connecticut celebrated Cinco de Mayo in style this year, since they were open only for takeout last year.

Bandido Mexican Restaurant in South Norwalk offered live music and food and drink specials.

Restaurant workers say giving customers an experience is what is important for them.

After the pandemic in 2020 closed indoor dining, Mexican restaurants, who usually rely on Cinco de Mayo as profit boosters, were hit hard.

Bandido Mexican Restaurant says they lost about 50% of their revenue in 2020 on Cinco de Mayo and specifically lost sales in alcohol, since people could only order delivery or takeout.

This year, they threw a celebration for customers to give them a taste of normalcy and honor Mexican culture, but with restrictions still in place.