Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a day that is celebrated all over the world, but was begun as a celebration to honor Mexico’s Independence from Spain. Now, people of all nationalities celebrate Cinco de Mayo by decorating with plenty of flowers, the colors of Mexico’s flag (green white and red) putting on sombreros, Mexican folk music, salsa, or mariachi music, and joining the fiestas!

Invitation Ideas

For Cinco de Mayo invitations, you can cover white card stock with greeting suggestions like, "No time for a Siesta, it's time to Fiesta!", "Margaritas & Fajitas!, "It's Party Time, Amigos!" You can even print these on your computer, and add graphics like cactus plants, chili peppers, sombreros, and the Flag of Mexico.

In green and red, on the inside write the date, location, time, phone, date, and dress code or costume suggestions. Be sure to ask for an RSVP, so you will be able to plan more easily, knowing approximately how many guests will be present.

Decorations

Simple, colorful decorations, in traditional Red, green & white streamers, do it yourself pinata, maracas, sombreros, red pepper lights, hot pink tissue paper flowers and plenty of other flowers to brighten the fiesta, can turn make your celebration more authentic, and truly honors the Cinco de Mayo tradition.

Music

Latin or Mexican folk music & mariachi are traditional for these celebrations, but popular Latino or Mexican performer’s music can be added in as well. It is great to form a conga line and dance and sing along with the music. Food

Corn chips with salsa & queasy, tacos, chili, fajitas, Margaritas, Daiquiris, Cerveza, Mexican wines, Tia Maria, and, of course, lots of Tequila is sure to make the celebration a hit. Party Favor Ideas

Mini cactus plants, toy maracas, small clay pots with candy "Red Hots", bouquet of red, green & white carnations or other plants that combine the colors of the Mexican flag, or even small Mexican flags can be given as party favors. Most Cinco de Mayo party supplies can be found at local Mexican shops, groceries, or can be purchased online.

One final suggestion for your Cinco de Mayo celebration is to make it a block party where the guests can form conga lines from one yard to the next, taking advantage of the music, food, and drinks available over the neighborhood, and making everyone a participant in the Cinco de Mayo celebration.