Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas, Food, Crafts,Traditions and Fun!

Cinco de Mayo – Party Ideas, Food, Traditions and Fun!

Know what happens every year on May 5th? Yep, my son gets one year older! Oh yeah, also, it’s Cinco de Mayo!  Since he’s all grown up and playing Army Man we don’t get to do the whole birthday cake, party hats and celebrating anymore. But people all over are still throwing great parties, some even with really cool hats! When Ethan asked me to explain what exactly Cinco de Mayo meant, I really couldn’t. Other than being Uncle Frank’s birthday and it’s May 5th every year, I had nothing…. I knew it’s roots are from Mexico defeating France in some sort of battle, but that’s not really such a great History Lesson to teach a 6 yr old, huh? What does it all mean, really? Off to Google….

History of Cinco de Mayo

In 1861, Benito Juárez became president of a country in financial ruin. (Mexico) He was forced to default on his debts to European governments. France, Britain and Spain weren’t too pleased and sent over military forces to collect those debts. Spain and Britain were able to negotiate some terms and returned to their countries. France on the other hand (ruled by Napoleon) said ‘Nope, that’s totally not cool’ and wanted to use that opportunity to take over. On May 5, 1862, a Mexican Army, outnumbered 3 to 1, went into battle against the French Military. This ‘battle’ only lasted from daybreak to early evening before the French threw in the towel and retreated. (pretty impressive, huh?) And that’s the really short, simple version I used to tell Ethan what Cinco de Mayo means. What’s really interesting is that this is celebrated much more in America than it is in Mexico!

Recipes For Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

So, what do we do to whip up some really good eats for our Cinco de Mayo celebrations? Some of the best traditional food is…. what? I love good Mexican food! I made that gorgeous Chocolate Flan up there last year. Oh boy! Seriously so good!! An awesome twist on traditional Flan! Go check that out, then pop on back and see what else we found learning about Cinco de Mayo!

My best blogger friends gave me some of their super Mexican food recipes to share and can I just say… I’m heading to their houses for the shin-digs they have going on! If these delicious foods don’t start those taste buds dancing, I don’t know what will!

• Pepper and Shrimp Quesadilla
• Gluten Free Chimichangas (my tummy will thank me!)
• Chicken Taco Soup

• Beautiful and Easy Guacamole Recipe
• Simply Delicious Chicken Enchiladas
• Lighter Fare Chicken Guacamole Wraps

And no one goes home from any good Fiesta without these! Churros with Mexican Dipping Sauce! OMGLeeeee!!

Ideas For Fun Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas

Well, now that we’ve covered the history and have some awesome ideas about what to eat for our Fiesta, what should we do to get this party started and looking all decked out for fun? I found an amazing little Paper Umbrella Wreath and it looks so easy, even I can make it with my uncrafty-ness!!

These Hot Chili Pepper Pom’s look really great as hanging decorations! Just some tissue paper and wire and you’re all set to liven up any space! Ethan is really hoping we make these! Super cute and an awesome, fun pop of color too!

And, if you’re looking for the ‘end all be all’ of party queen knowledge, you have to follow what Martha Stewart says, right? Ok, her and Rachael Ray are my go-to gals. But here, Martha says “Mariachi music or not, a Cinco de Mayo party will be more festive with these tissue-paper decorations. You can make them in any color combination — for very little dinero.” And that’s exactly what I’m all about! These hanging banner type decorations are the perfect touch! And really, if you change up the colors, you can totally make these anytime of year and for just about any celebrations you are planning!

I think we’ve got our to-do list covered and now all we need to do is head off to shop! Any excuse to shop and throw a party, right? Do you have plans for Cinco de Mayo? Drop me a quick note and let me know how you get the Fiesta going! I’d love to add some new ideas to my own list of fun!