Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is actually the celebration of an underdog victory over France and Napoleon III’s forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although the victory was short lived and France did end up occupying Mexico for a few years, the day continues to be celebrated, especially in Puebla where it’s common to see parades, speeches, and battle reenactments.
Cinco de Mayo gained traction in 1960’s America when new Mexican immigrants were wanting a way to celebrate their heritage outside of Mexico. The holiday has taken on a whole new lease on life in the US thanks to some very clever marketing by both Mexican business owners and liquor and beer brands. It’s widely known that Americans drink more beer on Cinco de Mayo than on Super Bowl Sunday or St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo has even been celebrated at the White House under several presidencies.
Globally, many other countries have joined in the fun, eating Mexican food like tacos and churros, drinking Margaritas and dressing in festive costumes. The holiday continues to be a bold representation of resistance to foreign intervention in Mexico, and a chance for Mexican expats world over to come together to share and celebrate their heritage.
Here at the ARTMEXICO headquarters, we love to get the gang together to have a big cookout fiesta and to celebrate our mutual love for all things Mexican. Choosing to host a Cinco de Mayo party opens up a whole world of cool and colorful decoration ideas.
Cinco de Mayo Decorations
This year, we have a very special Cinco de Mayo papel picado banner and Cinco de Mayo table decorations that we’d like to introduce to you. These traditional handmade Mexican party decorations will make your Cinco de Mayo fiesta extra authentic, and super colourful! We recommend either pairing them with natural wood tones, like we’ve done at our dinner party, or going all out with Mexican placemats and colourful pom pom garlands hung around the room as well for a super color-crazy theme!
We’ve even got the perfect refreshing spring cocktail to match:
Paloma Cocktail Recipe
- Dash of sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 or 2 ounces Tequila
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 cup grapefruit soda or sparkling citrus soda
- Lime and/or grapefruit wedge (for garnish)
- Crushed Ice
One simple step: In a highball glass filled with ice, combine salt, tequila and lime juice. Top with soda. Garnish and enjoy!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! - Viva la fiesta!
