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¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Plan the best Cinco de Mayo fiesta ever with my favorite easy recipes & crafts
byYvette Marquezon April 30, 2023 (updated April 11, 2024)
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Hola, amigos! If you’re on the hunt for the best easy Cinco de Mayo recipes, Cinco de Mayo crafts, and gorgeous Cinco de Mayo decorations for your celebration this year, consider this your one-stop shop. Below I’ve assembled everything you’ll need to throw the best dang Cinco de Mayo fiesta around!
While there are lots of muy bueno ideas that are Muy Bueno Fiestas cookbook exclusives (so buy the book! 😉), below are dozens of my favorite Cinco de Mayo food ideas plus drinks, homemade decorations, and other fun family traditions for celebrating this beloved holiday. Let’s get started, shall we?
Table of Contents
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Many people think this holiday Mexico’s Independence Day, but that’s actually celebrated on September 16th.
Rather, Cinco de Mayo, which literally translates to “the fifth of May,” is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Don’t you just love a good underdog story?
At the time, Mexico was in a lot of debt and the French saw an opportunity to take over the country. However, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, bravely defeated the French, even though they were outnumbered and outgunned.
Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration in the United States, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populationsIt’s a time to honor and celebrate Mexican culture and heritage and to recognize the contributions that Mexican Americans have made to American society.
Of course, no Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without delicious food and drinks, so it’s ALSO a great excuse to indulge in some delicious Mexican cuisine and festive drinks!
Popular Cinco de Mayo foods like guacamole, salsa, and tacos, as well as margaritas and Mexican beers are always welcome. So, if you’re looking for a reason to party with some tasty food and drinks, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect occasion! Read on below for tons of fun menu ideas.
Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States?
Cinco de Mayo has become a way for Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage and culture. It’s a day to come together with family and friends and enjoy traditional Mexican food and drink. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also a time to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Mexican Americans to American society.
In recent years, Cinco de Mayo has also become quite commercialized. Many businesses capitalize on the holiday with sales and promotions. However, it’s important to remember the historical significance of the holiday and the sacrifices made by Mexican soldiers during the Battle of Puebla.
As I like to say, make sure to celebrate, but don’t appropriate! In other words, leave that Dollar Store sombrero at home, okay?
Is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?
¡Claro que sí! Cinco de Mayo is definitely still celebrated in Mexico, but it’s more of a regional celebration than it is here. It’s also not given the same federal holiday status as it is here in the US!
In Mexico, the day is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla in Central Mexico, where the famous battle took place. The statewide celebration usually includes colorful parades, historical reenactments of the battle, and, of course, lots and lots of yummy Mexican food and drink.
What is considered traditional Cinco de Mayo food?
While I think you can happily serve ANY Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo, I think the most strictly traditional fare would be dishes that hail from the state of Puebla. Some prime examples of their rich culinary traditions include chiles en nogada, mole poblano, cemitas, and tamales. That said, feel free to dive into any of the dozens of recipes I offer below!
What are traditional Cinco de Mayo colors?
If you’re looking for a color theme, you can’t go wrong with the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red. That said, plenty of other bright, festive colors like pink, orange, and yellow are also 100% appropriate. At the end of the day, if your fiesta is filled with lots of rich, saturated, cheerful hues, you’re doing great!
Best Cinco de Mayo Appetizers
Get ready to spice up your Cinco de Mayo party with some delicious appetizers! Whether you’re planning a big fiesta or just a small gathering with friends and family, there’s no shortage of tasty Mexican-inspired bites to choose from.
Pico de Gallo
4.35 (20 ratings)
This iconic fresh tomato salsa is also called salsa bandera (flag) because it has the three colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red making this salsa perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
This easy salsa only needs three basic ingredients. Serve it with tortilla chips as an appetizer or spoon this smoky, citrusy salsa over your favorite tacos al pastor or quesadillas.
This iconic fresh tomato salsa is also called salsa bandera (flag) because it has the three colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red making this salsa perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Queso Fundido with Mushrooms and Hatch Green Chile
5 (1 rating)
This molten cheese dip is topped with a mouthwatering mixture of sautéed shiitake mushrooms and green chiles. This queso is made with two cheeses (queso quesadilla and queso Oaxaca) combined with an irresistible mixture of sautéed mushrooms and Hatch green chile. If you can’t find Hatch chiles, substitute with Anaheim chiles, which are available in most grocery stores. Serve this queso with warm corn or flour tortillas.
This shrimp cocktail with a spicy cocktail sauce made with freshly chopped red onions, cilantro, and avocados is the perfect light and easy appetizer or healthy lunch, especially during hot months.
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Mexican Shrimp Ceviche recipe is sure to become one of your favorite summer recipes. Made with just 11 ingredients and 15 minutes of active prep, this easy ceviche recipe is the no-cook meal of your dreams!
If you want to feast like a king or queen, check out these mouth-watering Cinco de Mayo entrees! From sizzling fajitas to juicy carne asada, there are endless options to choose from. It’s time to gather your amigos and familia, and get ready to enjoy a delicious Cinco de Mayo feast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Authentic Mexican Pork Tamales Rojos
4.59 (87 ratings)
If you've been itching to learn how to make everyone's favorite traditional Mexican holiday dish, you've come to the right place. These Muy Bueno Tamales Rojos are mouthwateringly delicious; tender shreds of spicy red chile pork are wrapped in a soft masa dough and steamed to perfection for a rustic, comforting meal you won't soon forget.
This Red Chicken Pozole is a comforting dream in a bowl. Filled with spicy chiles, white hominy, and topped with tons of crunchy veggies. This traditional Mexican soup is fancy enough for company and easy enough to serve on a casual weeknight.
An authentic fried Chiles Rellenos recipe. Anaheim peppers are roasted and then filled with melty queso Oaxaca, coated in a delicate, soft, but slightly crispy coating and served with a warm ranchero salsa. Delicious!
Chile Colorado is an authentic dish from northern Mexico made with tender pork pieces simmered in a homemade red chile sauce. It is also a commonly served dish in New Mexico and El Paso.
Chicken tinga is a versatile dish of shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce. Tinga is great for a taco bar or tostada buffet, where guests can create their own mountain of goodness.
What if I told you that you can make this gorgeous platter of EasyShrimp Tacos for dinner in less than 30 minutes? With my tried and true foolproof recipe,you can! Trust me: this tasty, healthy, slightly spicy, Lenten-friendly meal is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork, spicy chile sauce-dipped tortillas, and melty cheese combine forces in this amazingly delicious recipe for Pulled Pork Enchiladas. I can’t get enough of them, and I have a feeling you'll have the same reaction!
Lightly fried corn tortillas are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and onion, rolled up and then smothered with a rich and spicy homemade red chile sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked to perfection. These easy chicken enchiladas are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.
What if I told you that you could have a delicious dish on your dinner table in 20 minutes? Seriously, these salmon tacos are so simple to make and taste incredible.
Holy Mole! This Chicken Mole recipe is out of this world, boasting a thick, rich, chocolate-tinged, mildly spicy sauce. This particular recipe is a fusion of my Grandma and my Mom’s recipes, and if I’m being honest, it is the perfect combination of both. Make some today and enjoy many meals to come.
Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor with Roasted Pineapple Salsa
4.80 (5 ratings)
Succulent, smoky, and sweet with just the right amount of spice, my easy Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor are destined to become a grilling season favorite. Made from just 14 simple, easy-to-find ingredients and less than 30 minutes of active time, these pineapple pork tacos are my go-to summer comfort food.
This deliciously easy recipe for homemade Carne Asada Tacos requires just a short grocery list and only 30 minutes of marinating. It's one I make on repeat all summer long!
Molotes (the food) are a common street food, found in Oaxaca during Easter and Christmas time. They are made with a disk of fresh masa then usually filled with a chorizo and potato filling, fried, then topped with salsa, crema, queso fresco, and garnished with sliced radishes. Molotes make the perfect party appetizer or main dish as they can be made ahead of time and frozen up to one month prior to frying.
Making Birria de Res at home is an easy way to pump up the flavor quotient for any number of celebrations. Try this trendy authentic Mexican recipe that can be eaten as either new-world tacos or old-world stew.
Chiles en Nogada (Stuffed Poblano Chiles with Walnut Sauce)
5 (4 ratings)
Chiles en Nogada are full of Mexican history. Puebla nuns invented the dish in 1821, to honor a visit by Mexican General Augustín de Iturbide. The dish features the colors of the Mexican flag: white creamy walnut sauce sprinkled with bright red pomegranate seeds and fresh green parsley. This dish is commonly served to celebrate Mexican Independence Day on September 16.
Don’t forget about some delicious side dishes to complete your Cinco de Mayo feast! From classic rice and beans to delectable street corn, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from.
Elote en Vaso (a.k.a. Esquites)
5 (5 ratings)
This is Mexico’s finest street dish, often sold in styrofoam cups.
These Cebollitas Asadas (Grilled Green Onions) are soft, fragrant, sweet and caramelized with a salty and tangy flavor that is absolutely to die for. They are a Latin staple when it comes to grilling! Try this simple recipe and find your new favorite cookout side.
This easy side dish is one of the first recipes my mother learned to cook when she was a little girl. It is a staple in most Mexican kitchens, and has such a wonderful aroma while it’s cooking.
These frijoles charros are flavored with smoky bacon, onions, garlic, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices. They can be made in a slow cooker, in a dutch oven on the stovetop, or in a magical Instant Pot.
Make traditional Homemade Refried Beans just like mom or grandma! Serve them as a side dish with a Mexican meal, as a bean dip served with tortilla chips, or slather them on a homemade flour tortilla for the best bean burrito.
Using the trusty Instant Pot, you can cut down a several hour process into a single hour and completely cut out the soaking process. This recipe for Instant Pot Black Beans is about to be your weeknight savior!
Save some room for dessert because these Cinco de Mayo treats are too delicious to resist!
Mexican Buñuelos Recipe (Buñuelos Mexicanos)
4.41 (45 ratings)
Lightly sweetened and perfectly golden brown, this homemade authentic Mexican Buñuelos recipe is a must during the holiday season, but is lovely all year round. Each of these buñuelos mexicanos is essentially a crispy fried tortilla with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for drizzling with a touch of honey.
Sopaipillas (or sopapillas) are easy to make, with simple pantry ingredients! Serve them as a dessert with a dusting of cinnamon-sugar and a drizzle of honey.
Baked Pineapple Empanadas (Mexican Empanadas de Piña)
4.64 (11 ratings)
Sweet, tart and perfectly spiced, my delicious Pineapple Empanadas recipe is a family favorite all year long. With a gorgeously golden and flaky homemade pastry crust and deeply flavorful fruit filling, you'd never guess these from-scratch dessert empanadas are made with just 11 ingredients and 25 minutes of prep work.
There are so many variations to this classic churro recipe but I decided that less is more, so I kept this recipe simple and pure. This is the same recipe that is published in the Muy Bueno cookbook! It's perfect for Cinco de Mayo, especially when served with a decadent and exotic Mexican chocolate dipping sauce.
This might look like a traditional all American cornbread but it’s far from it. This is more of a moist cake with the addition of corn, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. The flavors remind me of a pineapple upside-down cake and a tres leches cake combined. It’s sweet, without being overly sweet.
If you have visited a Mexican panaderia (bakery) you might have seen tri-color Mexican cookies, called polvorones. Traditional polvoronesare in the shape of a triangle, featuring pink, yellow, and dark chocolate colors. They are tender and lightly crunchy.
When it comes to making a sweet and simple treat, I love turning to this recipe for Gorditas de Azucar, which translates to “sugar gorditas.” These sweet griddle cakes are basically the Mexican version of a scone or a sweet biscuit, traditionally topped with a dollop of butter or drizzled with dulce de leche, cajeta, or sweetened condensed milk. YUM!
Have your cake and eat your flan, too, with a recipe that combines both! This Chocoflan is a rich chocolate cake with an orange hint topped with creamy vanilla and coffee flavored flan is dripping with decadent dulce de leche and sprinkled with crushed walnuts.
If you've been on the hunt for the perfect dessert for taco night, look no further than these light and fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos! Sweet cinnamon-sugar-dusted dessert taco shells are filled with an avocado yogurt "cheesecake" filling before being topped with juicy fresh fruit and shredded coconut for a tasty treat that is both nutritious and delicious.
No Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without some refreshing and delicious drinks to enjoy! Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margarita or a refreshing Paloma, or are keeping it sober with some juicy agua fresca, there are lots of lovely libations to choose from.
Champurrado (Chocolate Atole)
4.45 (38 ratings)
Champurrado is a chocolate-based atole, a warm and thick Mexican drink, prepared with Mexican chocolate, water, and milk, spiced with cinnamon sticks, anise, and sweetnened with piloncillo, and thickened with masa harina.
When the sun is shining and the weather is sultry, there’s no cocktail I’d rather sip on than a Classic Frozen Margarita. Sweet, tart, boozy, and slushy with a salty rim? That right there is my hot weather love language.
My deliciously fresh Reposado Paloma is about to become your new signature summer cocktail. Featuring reposado tequila, freshly juiced grapefruits and lime, a hint of sweetness from agave and a bubbly club soda topper, this tasty adult beverage has HAPPY HOUR written all over it!
Citrusy, sweet-tart, boozy, and bubbly, you’re going to love these lightened-up Cantaritos cocktails! Swapping in fresh grapefruit, a splash of agave, and grapefruit-flavored seltzer in place of the traditional grapefruit soda makes a delectable “skinny” cantarito that’s right on time for warmer weather. It's the perfect Mexican libation for your Cinco de Mayo party!
If you're looking for a frosty, ambrosial nectar to cool you off and quench your thirst, this FrozenMangonada Mexicana is here to save the day! Made with ripe fruit, a dash of chili, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of chamoy, this Mexican mango drink (also known as a Chamoyada) strikes the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
This guilt-free and flavorful Skinny Margarita is so simple to make with a handful of ingredients – quality tequila, fresh orange and lime juice, and agave nectar.
Micheladas are a popular beer cocktail served throughout Mexico and is a great way to elevate a Mexican beer with flavorful combinations that include vegetable juice, lime, and hot sauce for some spice. This beer cocktail is tangy, refreshing, and spicy with the bold flavor of Tabasco. It is served in a Tajin-rimmed glass and garnished with a celery stalk and a lime slice.
Looking to add some color and festive flair to your Cinco de Mayo celebration? Get crafty and create some fun decorations to liven up your party and make it even more memorable! Crafting with friends and family is just as fun and rewarding as cooking, don’t you think?
Mexican Paper Flowers
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, these easy-to-make, vibrant, and cheerful Mexican paper flowers are the perfect crafting project. Aren’t they gorgeous?
Papel Picado literally means 'perforated paper' and is a very traditional banner that is used all over Mexico, to adorn weddings, churches, baptisms, quinceaneras, and fiestas.
Alright, amigos! There you have it — everything you could possibly need to host the best darn Cinco de Mayo fiesta ever! If you make any of the recipes or crafts above, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe cards in the posts, leave a comment below, and/or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #muybuenocooking.
Yvette Marquezis an Emmy-winning producer and writer, award-winning food blogger, and author of Muy Bueno,Latin Twist, and Muy Bueno Fiestas. She is a second-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in El Paso, Texas and currently lives in Colorado. She has been sharing cherished family Mexican recipes since 2010. Her blog is the perfect destination for anyone looking to embrace their culture through food, fiestas, and family life. Yvette has been featured in several prominent publications, websites, radio, and TV. Follow her at: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / YouTube
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