The Lake Channel: Cinco de Mayo Party Planner

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Cinco de Mayo Party Planner

Viva! El Cinco De Mayo!! Fiesta! A great way to kick off the new boating season is a Cinco de Mayo party. This traditional Mexican celebration is held to commemorate La Batalla de Puebla (The Battle of Puebla), which was fought in 1862. During the battle, 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated the combined French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862. The Cinco de Mayo celebration is primarily a tribute to the outnumbered, but brave, Mexicans who faced an army twice as large and won.

After the Civil War ended, Union forces sped to the aid of the brave Mexicans, expelling the French once and for all. Mexicans never forget who their friends are! In gratitude for past aid, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. During the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans by the hundreds called American consulates, trying to join up and help America fight another war.

No wonder Cinco de Mayo is such a party! A party that celebrates freedom and liberty in the Americas. Ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862. So, if you needed something besides the opening of boating season to celebrate, read on!

Food & Drinks

Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole are an easy choice. There are several great Mexican dip recipes in the Munchies section. For more Mexican food ideas, check out the recipes for Cinco de Mayo Zucchini Boats and Apple Wraps made with tortillas in the Dinner's Ready! and Desserts sections. Mexican beer (cerveza) such as Corona, Sol, Dos Equis, Carta Blanca, or Tecate can be found in many stores, and taste great with Mexican food. Don't forget some of Dad's Real Margaritas! Just make sure each boat or car has a designated driver!

Music

Some suggested tunes to evoke that festive Cinco de Mayo atmosphere are:

Cinco de Mayo
Tequila!
La Bamba
Hot, Hot, Hot!
Tequila Boom Boom
Mexican Hat Dance
Bamboleo
Macarena (I know, it's not Mexican, but the Latin beat and the line dance are fun!)
Bailamos
El Baile Del Perrito

Any salsa music will be sure to keep hips swaying and the mood upbeat.

Decorations & Party Fun

A piñata or two with appropriate fillers makes a fun diversion and a nice decoration. Even adults enjoy taking a whack at a piñata with the bat. For an adult party, get small (airline sized) plastic bottles of tequila at your local liquor outlet, fill the piñata with these and watch everyone scramble for them when the piñata breaks!

Crepe paper makes a festive daytime decoration, while strings of chili pepper lights are a great accent at night. Small clay chimineas with candles make a nice table decoration. Brightly colored tablecloths or placemats, and plastic or paper plates and cups with a Mexican motif make a nice addition to the festivities.

Pick up some sombreros or bandanas for everyone to wear, and add some maracas to complete the party atmosphere! Then relax and enjoy the casual entertaining of a Mexican fiesta on Cinco de Mayo.

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