Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5th that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is often confused with Mexican Independence day (which is actually September 16th), Cinco de Mayo has become a popular holiday in the United States for celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. There are many ways people choose to observe this festive occasion.
Attending Cinco de Mayo Parties and Events
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is by attending parties and events. Cities and towns across the US host festivals, parades, and street fairs on or around May 5th. These community celebrations often feature mariachi music, folkloric dancing, Mexican food vendors, piñatas, and more. Major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix draw huge crowds for their Cinco de Mayo festivities. Bars and restaurants also frequently throw Cinco de Mayo-themed parties with drink specials, music, and decorations. Attending public events is a great way to feel the lively holiday atmosphere.
Eating Traditional Mexican Food
Enjoying traditional Mexican cuisine is a core part of honoring Cinco de Mayo. Some signature dishes people like to eat on this day include:
- Tacos – Chicken, carnitas, barbacoa, lengua, and a variety of other meats and fillings wrapped in soft corn or flour tortillas.
- Tamales – Savory masa dough with meat fillings, wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves.
- Quesadillas – Grilled tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients like chorizo or huitlacoche (corn fungus).
- Guacamole – Avocados blended with spices like garlic, onion, cilantro, and chiles.
- Pozole – A hearty hominy and pork stew.
- Churros – Fried dough pastry rolls coated in cinnamon and sugar.
These are just a few examples of popular Mexican foods people enjoy on Cinco de Mayo. Celebrants may eat at a Mexican restaurant, cook authentic recipes at home, or purchase street food from vendors at a festival.
Drinking Tequila and Margaritas
What better spirit to sip on Cinco de Mayo than Mexico’s signature liquor – tequila! Many people choose to imbibe tequila straight or on the rocks to properly observe the holiday. Margaritas – cocktails made from tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice – are also a quintessential Cinco de Mayo beverage. Both tequila brands and bars typically promote specialty margarita concoctions at this time of year, like flavors with mango, pineapple, strawberry, and jalapeño. When drinking, it’s important to do so responsibly and in moderation.
Listening to Mariachi and Latin Music
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without some festive music! Mariachi bands with their bold trumpets, violins, guitars and vocals are a centerpiece of the occasion. Many mariachi groups perform at Cinco de Mayo events and parties. Latin pop, rock, cumbia, banda and other Mexican musical styles also liven up the atmosphere. People may enjoy listening to classic and contemporary artists like Vicente Fernández, Selena, Los Tigres del Norte, Café Tacvba, and more. Turn up the music and dance to add to the fiesta!
Learning About Mexican History and Culture
Beyond the partying and revelry, Cinco de Mayo is rooted in history and cultural pride. Many people take the opportunity to learn more about the significance of this date, the Battle of Puebla, and Mexico’s fight for sovereignty against the French. Attending cultural exhibitions and events, reading books, or watching documentaries can provide insight on the meaning of Cinco de Mayo and Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Appreciating the backgroundcontext can make the holiday even more meaningful.
Travelling to Mexico
For the most authentic and immersive Cinco de Mayo experience, traveling to Mexico is an excellent option. Visitors can celebrate in the country where this historic occasion originated. The lively atmosphere in cities and towns across Mexico makes for an unforgettable holiday. In Puebla, the site of the famous 1862 battle, Cinco de Mayo is commemorated with a massive reenactment. Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende and other destinations also host elaborate festivities. Revelers can experience parades, concerts, food, dancing and more with locals. Any trip to Mexico in early May is sure to offer a memorable Cinco de Mayo.
Trying New Recipes
Whipping up some Mexican recipes at home is a tasty way to mark Cinco de Mayo, even if you’re not able to attend a party. There are endless options for appetizers, entrees, snacks and desserts to cook and enjoy. Empanadas, tamales, mole, chiles rellenos, tortilla soup, horchata, churros and more – the list goes on and on. Try your hand at a dish you’ve never made before, or cook family favorites from recipes passed down through generations. Pair your meal with a margarita or Mexican beer for a real south-of-the-border feast.
Making Crafts and Decorations
Decorating your home or workplace with handcrafted Cinco de Mayo decorations can add festivity to any celebration. There are so many fun and easy craft projects to try making piñatas, papel picado banners, tissue paper flowers, lucha libre masks, Maracas shakers and more. Get creative embellishing with all the colors of the Mexican flag – red, white and green. You can also decorate with Mexican serapes, sombreros, clay pots, and other cultural symbols. DIY projects are a great activity for families and kids.
Having a Backyard Fiesta
If you want all the fun of Cinco de Mayo without leaving home, throw a fiesta in your own backyard! Invite family and friends over for a potluck loaded with Mexican dishes everyone can share. Set up lawn games like cornhole toss or ladder ball alongside a margarita station. Hang strings of festive lights and paper lanterns for illumination when the sun goes down. Play a wild piñata game filled with candy treats. Essentially, transform your backyard into a little piece of Mexico for an intimate yet lively Cinco de Mayo get-together.
Watching Movies & TV Shows
You can also celebrate Cinco de Mayo from the comfort of your living room by watching movies and television shows relevant to the occasion. Favorites include biopics and documentaries about iconic Mexican figures like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. For family fun, cartoon movies like Coco and The Book of Life center around Day of the Dead, an important part of Mexican culture. You can also just relax with episodes of your favorite TV shows starring Latino actors or set in Hispanic communities.
Checking Out Cinco de Mayo Events
In the age of social media, you can now join in the Cinco de Mayo excitement virtually too. Many restaurants, bars, museums, and organizations live stream their celebrations and events on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Tune in to soak up the atmosphere from afar. On Twitter and Instagram, following hashtags like #CincodeMayo, #FifthofMay, or #CincoDeMayoAtHome will let you scroll through all kinds of fun photos and videos of how different people party. You’ll feel like you’re celebrating even without leaving your house!
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo represents a rich cultural heritage and the fighting spirit of the Mexican people. It has also become a lively holiday celebrated by Mexicans and Americans alike. While the Covid-19 pandemic has put a damper on large gatherings, there are still countless creative ways to eat delicious food, drink margaritas, listen to mariachi music, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere – either in person or virtually. However you choose to celebrate this year, let the resilient history and culture behind Cinco de Mayo inspire you!
| Cinco de Mayo Activity | Ideal For… |
|---|---|
| Attending public events and festivals | Feeling the lively holiday atmosphere |
| Eating Mexican food | Indulging in authentic cuisine |
| Drinking tequila and margaritas | Toasting with Mexico’s signature liquor |
| Listening to Mariachi and Latin music | Enjoying festive sounds |
| Learning about Mexican history/culture | Gaining insight on the holiday’s origins |
| Traveling to Mexico | An immersive, authentic experience |
| Trying new recipes | Cooking Mexican dishes at home |
| Making crafts and decorations | Adding festive flair |
| Having a backyard fiesta | Celebrating close to home |
| Watching movies and TV shows | Entertainment with a Mexican theme |
| Checking out virtual events | Celebrating from afar |
Whether you plan a party at home, hit the town for festivities, or just whip up some tacos and margaritas – there are endless ways to commemorate Cinco de Mayo and celebrate Mexican culture and pride. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!