Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo—May 5—is a festive, lively Mexican celebration that has become increasingly popular in the United States. Although many believe it to be Mexico’s Independence Day, May 5 actually represents Mexico’s victory over France at the battle of Puebla in 1862. The following resources summarize the history of the holiday, and highlight some contemporary celebrations. Find out how and where to enjoy Cinco de Mayo through links to prominent festivals nationwide, or use the sources below to plan your own fiesta. For teachers, the Guide offers links to lesson plans and eco-friendly crafts. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory and Traditions of Cinco de Mayo
Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza’s victory over the French on May 5, 1862, symbolizes ... read more »
Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Because Cinco de Mayo has become so popular in the United States, many U.S. cities host elaborate ... read more »
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Home
Throw your own Cinco de Mayo celebration, complete with colorful activities, music and authentic dishes. Below you’ll find resources for hosting a party, including how to plan a traditional Mexican meal, arts and crafts to make with kids, and clever decorations to put up around the house.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For more menu and recipe suggestions, have a look at findingDulcinea’s Mexican Cuisine Web Guide. The Liquor and Cocktails Web Guide can help you make the perfect margarita, while the Beer Web Guide points you to Web sites that sell cases of Corona.
- If you’re looking for more advice on throwing a party, visit findingDulcinea’s Web Guide to Hosting a Party.
Dulcinea's Picks
For party-planning advice …
Evite
suggests party ideas for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Get tips on decorations, activities and menu items, including how to make a margarita. The site even recommends ten songs to create the perfect Cinco de Mayo ambiance.
For a Cinco de Mayo menu …
Food Network
suggests a complete Cinco de Mayo menu with recipe suggestions from celebrity chefs. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Emeril’s Kahlua Flan, although Michael Chiarello’s Mango Margarita seems equally tasty.
Allrecipes
gives a bit of background on the Mexican celebration and Mexican cuisine before suggesting some Cinco de Mayo recipes. The site includes insightful tips for tackling basics like salsa, margaritas, fajitas and flan. Use the search engine to locate a recipe with any type of ingredient.
To make crafts and decorations …
Kaboose
lists crafts to make with the kids, like sombreros, a decorative Mexican flag and maracas. Every craft suggestion comes with pictures and step-by-step directions.
Mother Nature Network
Mother Nature Network has assembled links to instructions for eco-friendly crafts for Cinco de Mayo.
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