Who’s ready for some “tacos and tequila” and a little bit of salsa dancing??!?!?!…. Yes?… Same, because Cinco De Mayo is tomorrow!!

More than just tacos and tequila, celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Texas is full of rich, cultural offerings and fun for the whole family. From the first annual Mariachi Festival to the 30th annual Fiesta Old Town, this fifth of May find yourself the perfect place to celebrate the music, food and fun of the Mexican culture. I love this holiday because of my love for Mexican food and margaritas but more so the atmosphere and crowd at a restaurant. Everyone in Texas comes together and celebrates in style but sometimes we do celebrate a little too hard… 🙂

 History: Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. That’s actually commemorated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican army‘s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This victory led to the freedom and democracy of the American Civil War. The celebration originated from Mexicans in California wanting to show their support to Puebla. In 2005 the U.S. Congress passed a resolution to request the president to recognize the historical significance of this date. Cinco de Mayo is hands-down more popular here in the United States than in Mexico.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate this awesome holiday that I look forward to every year:

1. A night out

Enjoy the holiday by celebrating with your family, or friends at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Ones with live Mariachi bands are the BEST!!!

Research your local Mexican restaurants for specials or live music. Most places will have drink specials especially around happy hour. We will be posted up at Uncle Julios for happy hour! 🙂 

2. Dress the Part

cinco de mayo outfit ideas 4

cinco de mayo outfit ideas 9

An outfit for taco Tuesday, Cinco De Mayo, and every day!:

I am pretty sure these speak for themselves… I actually have a Cinco De Mayo themed shirt ready for the celebration tomorrow.

3. Host a Party/Fiesta

The mix of spring weather, colorful decorations and fantastic food and drinks makes a Cinco de Mayo celebration that much more fun. Decorations for a festive Cinco de Mayo should be bright and colorful. Think about colors and styles you’ve seen in Mexico or in photos. Bright flowers and vibrant colors like reds, greens, pinks and yellows would work best. Decorate with colorful themed party decorations to make the mood festive and fun.

CincoDeMayo-pinata

Whats a celebration without a pinata?!?! This is perfect especially if you have kids. Party City, Target and local liquor stores are the best places to purchase pinatas.

DIY Fiesta Balloon Ceiling1

 Balloons and banners from Party City are affordable and easy to setup. There are also so many colors to choose from. They also provide helium pumps to help blow up the balloons!

Image result for cinco de mayo pandora station

In regards to what music to play, instead of buying CDs or song in iTunes or Google Play, you can take advantage of services like the Pandora Cinco de Mayo music station where you can enjoy listening to a variety of festive music from classic rancheras to the best Mexican mariachis of all time. Trust me, my husband is fan of these stations (lol) 🙂

4. Make festive snacks to celebrate

Pinata Cookies

Recently my kids and I decided to learn about Cinco de Mayo- because while it literally translates to the "The 5th of May" the history behind this holiday runs much deeper than just a date on a calendar. Here are 5 ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Kids!

Taquitos, Quesadillas and Mini Tacos – Fiesta Super Store

7 Layer Bean Dip Cups

Sombrero Cookies

5. Margaritas, Tequila & Tacos

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo by serving Mexican food for dinner! Get the kids involved by having them pick out their favorite meal and have them help prepare the fiesta! Whether your make you own guacamole or pick some up at the grocery store, try to serve Mexican-inspired foods. From dips and chips to main dishes, Mexican food can be easy to make or order.

Chicken Tostadas

Chicken Tostados

Classic Guac kicked up

Basic Quacamole

Cervezas and margaritas seem to top the list of Mexican-inspired drinks to serve for a Cinco de Mayo party! I have linked some specialty drink recipes below:

Pineapple Margarita

pineapple marg

Skinny Blackberry Margarita

Skinny Blackberry Margaritas | Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts

Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita

Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita

If you’re lucky to live near or know of a grocery store that sells Mexican Coca-Cola, scoop some up! It’s Coca-Cola that is made and bottled in Mexico and sold in small, thick glass bottles. The difference is that refined cane sugar is used in Mexican Coke instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Trust me, there is a difference!

Happy Cinco De Mayo & Olé!

What are your plans for Cinco De Mayo? Do you have annual celebrations or parties?

Brittany 🙂

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