5 Festive Celebration Ideas to Spice Up Your Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Contrary to common belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. It serves as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, particularly in the state of Puebla and among Mexican-Americans in the United States.
Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States with parades, food, music, drinking, and dancing. But beyond the popular association with tacos and margaritas, this day embodies a rich historical significance too.
Discover five exciting ways to make your Cinco de Mayo an unforgettable occasion.
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5 Spectacular Ways To Embrace Cinco De Mayo
1. Learn The History of Cinco de Mayo
Ever wondered about the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico? Or the main dishes served?
Discover fun facts with 25 Fun Cinco de Mayo Trivia Questions.
And check out these books for kids:
- Cinco de Mayo (Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme) by Emma Carlson Berne
- Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Fiestas, Music, and Dance by Carolyn Otto
2. Taste Traditional Foods
Gather at a local Mexican restaurant with friends and family. Try out the Mole Poblano, a dish that originated in Puebla.
Mole (pronounced mo-lay) is a gravy-like sauce made from chocolate and chilis and used as a filling and a topping in Mexican Cuisine. Before the modern age of food manufacturing, Mole Poblano took days to prepare.
Host a mexican-themed potluck. Encourage guests to bring their favorite Mexican dishes or try out more traditional Mexican recipes.
Fun Fact: The margarita wasn’t created until well after the Battle of Puebla. However, 47% of all drinks ordered on Cinco de Mayo are margaritas. (source)
3. Decorate For The Day
Incorporate the colors of Mexico’s national flag—red, green, and white—into your décor with streamers, balloons, flags, garlands, banners, and tissue poms. Embrace other vibrant colors like orange and yellow to capture the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Steer clear of stereotypical décor like sombreros and ponchos, ensuring your decorations are respectful and culturally sensitive (source).
4. Learn Traditional Dances and Music
Mariachi music is one popular type of traditional Mexican music. Its rich blend of vocal harmony, stringed instruments, and trumpets is central to Cinco De Mayo festivities.
Other traditional Mexican music to explore is:
- Ranchera music: Soulful ballads typically accompanied by guitars, trumpets, and accordions
- Norteño music: Upbeat accordion-driven tunes, often featuring lyrics about love, life, and culture
- Banda music: Energetic brass-based music, popular for its lively rhythms and catchy melodies
Baile Folklórico is a traditional Mexican folk dance celebrating Mexico’s cultural history through movement and costume.
These dances vary widely across Mexico’s regions, each telling a different story through costumes and choreography.
5. Attend a Community Parade or Cultural Event
Check out local art galleries or museums that may have special exhibits for Cinco de Mayo. Or participate in a local parade that celebrates Mexican culture.
Fun Fact: Fiesta Broadway in Los Angeles is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the world. Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, San Antonio, and Portland also host large parades and celebrations.
If you aren’t close to any of these events, make a fun Cinco de Mayo craft with your kids to honor the day.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with loved ones offers a fun and rich cultural experience.
Embrace the day with sensitivity while immersing yourself in authentic Mexican culture through learning and delicious food.
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