How to Throw a Cinco de Mayo Party
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the overthrow of the French occupation at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But you don’t have to be Mexican to get in on the fun. Cinco de Mayo is a great time to celebrate Mexican heritage and the wonderful influences that the culture has brought to the United States.
Fiesta invitations
Set the tone for your Cinco de Mayo party with festive invitations. Whether you use e-vites or paper invitations, make sure they have a Mexican theme. Add pictures of the Mexican flag, sombreros, or margaritas. If your invitations are online, you can even add a clip of some traditional Mexican party music.
Decorations with Mexican flair
When it comes to Cindo de Mayo, party stores are full of great decorating ideas. You can easily drape your tables and doorways with red, white, and green streamers. Piñatas are great party activities which are sure to add an authentic touch to your Mexican decor. You can also buy special fiesta-themed tablecloths, paper plates, and plastic margarita glasses.
Strike up the mariachi
A Cinco de Mayo celebration wouldn’t have the same flair without traditional Mexican music. Buy a CD designed with fiestas in mind or plan your own playlist. Look for songs featuring mariachi bands, flamenco guitar, salsa music, and other hot Latin beats. You can even hire a live band. Don’t forget Mexican-American favorites like “La Bamba” or “Macarena.”
“South-of-the-border” buffet
When planning a traditional fiesta, it’s easy to find food to fit any budget. You can stick to easy snacks like tortilla chips with salsa, queso, or bean dip, or serve up a “make-your-own” burrito, fajita, or taco buffet. If you love to cook, you can experiment with some authentic Mexican dishes like tamales, tortilla soup, or corn pudding.
Festive fiesta drinks
For many party-goers, it just wouldn’t feel like Cinco de Mayo without a margarita in hand. Other festive drink options include sangria, Mexican beers, and shots of tequila. For your guests who don’t drink, serve sangria made with pomegranate juice instead of wine. You can also make a light alcohol-free drink by mixing lemonade and limeade with lemon-lime soda. Slice lemons and limes to garnish.
Perfect party favors
Send your guests home with sweet memories by filling small gift bags with a mix of piñata candy and small toys. Other great party favors include shot glasses, straw sombreros, maracas, or lacy Spanish fans. Your guests will love bringing a bit of Cinco de Mayo home along with their memories of your fabulous fiesta.