I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but everyone is really busy nowadays. We always want to or have to do more things, and time just seems to get away from us! Easter is right around the corner and Cinco de Mayo next! At least, I can help you plan a Cinco de Mayo Mexican themed party. Now, some of you might have heard that Cinco de Mayo isn’t really celebrated in Mexico nationwide, only in the Northern part.
Why is it not celebrated nationwide in Mexico?
Because it is actually the celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over the French in Puebla. So they didn’t become independent then. I just had to put this cute little chihuahua with a Mexican outfit in this post! You can click on the image to see more info on this (affiliate link). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can see my disclosure page here.
When is Mexico’s Independence Day then?
It is September 16th, and that’s the day Mexico became independent from Spain. BUT we are not going to let that stop us from throwing a Mexican themed party on May 5, are we? I found the cutest decorations and delicious looking recipes for your special party. These are the perfect decorations and tablescape for this Cinco de Mayo! So if you are interested, please check them out.
Got to have these very traditional “Papel Picado” banners! These will look really festive hung above the table. You can make them, too. I saw a lot of YouTube videos on how to make them, but this year I just don’t have the time to be making them before May 5th. And they are pretty inexpensive. These can be reused for the Day of the Dead Celebration in November as well! Click here for more info
3. Unique Drinkware and Mexican Drinks
Thesetequila shot glasses are so fun and unique! They have a glass blown Agave plant inside each glass, and they are handcrafted in the region of Mexico where Tequila is made! How perfect is that!! Just in case you are interested in alcoholic drinks, my husband’s favorite Mexican cocktail is “Paloma.” It has Tequila, Lime juice, and Grapefruit juice. I found a recipe here on a website called “Mexico in My Kitchen” by Mely Martinez. She has a Sangria recipe on her website, too! Yum!!
4. Quick Mexican Party Food
You could keep it simple but fun. Here’s an easy menu
Some chips and salsas. I like to get the chips from my favorite Mexican restaurant on the day of the party. The Mexican restaurants around here sell them for a couple of bucks per bag. If you like their salsa, you can go ahead and buy it there as well. Or you can make this easy homemade Mexican Salsa my Mexican mother-in-law makes to be more authentic! It’s super tasty and easy! Once you make it, you’ll never ever go back to a store-bought. Here is a recipe for Green Salsa (Salsa Verde) I make as well.
A tacos bar. First, cook your favorite proteins and cut them to bite-sized pieces. Keep warm. Chop some onions and cilantro, and put them in separate bowls for everyone to create their own tacos. Also, you can open a can of sliced Jalapeños in Vinagre into another bowl for those who like their tacos extra spicy. Lastly, when the guests arrive and they are ready to eat, heat up some tortillas and serve with the salsas above. Buen Provecho!
A large Flan. The flan has got to be everyone’s favorite! It’s not difficult to make. However, since it needs to be chilled, it’ll have to be baked the night before. So it might be easier to swing by a Mexican/Latin grocery store nearby. If you can manage to make it ahead. This flan recipe looks authentic and delicious!
If you and your friends are Spanish language learners, this Spanish Bananagrams would be really fun and educational!
7. Fun Drinking Related Phrases in Spanish
Let’s talk about some drinking-related fun phrases in Spanish. The easiest and most common one is “Salud!” and that means “Cheers!” And the more colloquial phrase is this: “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa’ dentro!” “Arriba” means “up,” so you would lift your drink up; then as you say “abajo” (down), bring it down. Next, you would say “al centro” (center), then bring your drink to the middle, around the shoulder level, then after saying “pa’ dentro,” you would drink it up! Salud! Happy Fiesta!
