It’s May. You know what that means? Cinco de Mayo! Now wait. Before you just toss on a sombrero and head to the nearest Mexican restaurant, let’s discuss the history of why we drink Coronas on this day. A common misconception is that it’s Mexico’s independence day. Wrong! It actually commemorates the victory of Mexico over the French occupation in a battle that happened on May 5, 1862. Like borrowed holidays such as Bastille Day and St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in America than in its land of origin. We can thank the media and commerce for that. But what the heck. Let’s honor the Mexican victory with a toast of cervezas, some guacamole, and mucha fiesta.
Having the gang over and tossing back some cold ones is always fun, but for this particular celebration, I propose a proper, ethnic fiesta. Parties are ten times more successful (as tested by yours truly) when you put in the effort to make them authentic. First, let’s start with invitations. There are plenty of Cinco de Mayo options on Evite, but if you have time, it’s always nice (and more personal) to make and send your own. Don’t you love getting an invitation in your actual mailbox, not your inbox? It’s really just as easy as incorporating red, green, and blue—Mexican flag colors—together on a piece of paper and writing out the details, in Spanish if you feel daring. Find a stencil of Mexico, or pictures of the country, and use them as a focal point. If you’re feeling particularly festive, buy small maracas and attach a note to each. This does take more time and money to mail, but your attendance may just go up based on the effort.
Next, let’s talk decorations. It takes more than just chili peppers and a piñata (although they are fun) to be ethnic. Look for a serape (woven Mexican blanket) to use as a tablecloth. Get some colorful fiesta flags at your local craft store or online at mifiesta.com. Use green, red, and white plastic plates and silverware to add some authenticity to your party. Buying red, white, and green bandanas shouldn’t be too hard. Use them as table coverings. In every grocery store in America, there is an ethnic food aisle, and in that aisle, they sell Mexican vigil candles. They come in tall glass columns and usually have a picture of Jesus or Our Lady of Guadalupe, and sell for around $2. These are perfect to create atmosphere at your party. This is the one time each year you can transform your humble adobe into a Mexican supermarket, so embrace it. Viva Mexico!
What’s a fiesta without la musica? As you’ve probably heard while catching an episode of Sabado Gigante, Mexican music is vibrant and vocal and makes you want to dance. Try creating a soundtrack that’s a mix of old and new Mexican tunes. For instance, try the Mexican Institute of Sound—a remixed, updated take on traditional Mexican beats. Also, a great CD to pick up for this occasion (or any old day) is the Nortec Collective. iTunes has compilations called Latin Lounge with well-known Mexican and Latino artists such as Perez Prado, Esquivel, Xavier Cugat, and Cinco de Mayo with several mariachi bands, Julio Iglesias, Mexican pop-queen Thalia, Luis Miguel—and yes, Ricky Martin. Both are great mixes that will easily last two hours each and are $24.75 a piece. I dare you not to shake it.
Alright, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and think about la comida. Now, I don’t know about you, but I much prefer eating food than I do preparing it. Nevertheless, we are attempting to throw an authentic fiesta here, so I’ve got a few suggestions that are muy delicioso y muy facil (translation: very yummy, very easy). I’d suggest making tacos. It’s a simple Mexican dish, and a great finger food that’s not too time-intensive to create for a small crowd. Let your guests make their own by setting out warm corn tortillas and fillers (beef, chicken, pork). Here’s a hint: put the meat in a crock-pot or slow cooker the day before with a couple jars of green and red salsa, and cook on low—you’ll thank me. If you’re feeling daring, make ceviche. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing items that seems harder to make than it really is, plus you have to make it at least six hours ahead of time so you won’t be stressed, sweating, and chopping an hour before your party.
