6 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Home

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By , Audacy

Cinco de Mayo is here.

The holiday celebrates the date of the Mexican army victory at Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862, according to History.

But these days, Cinco is more generally interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States.

While the usual public fetes may not happen due to ongoing stay-home restrictions, there are still ways to have a little fiesta for the holiday at home.

Here are six ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo while social distancing.

margarita
Photo credit Getty Images

Throw a virtual margarita happy hour

It’s likely that you’ve been connecting more with your friends during quarantine. Make today’s video call festive by mixing up a margarita, which at its simplest variation uses just three ingredients: 1 1/2 oz tequila, 1 oz cointreau, and 3/4 oz lime juice. And of course, don’t forget the ice and salt for the rim.

Set up a taco bar at home

After all, it is Taco Tuesday as well. Get in the spirit by setting up a taco bar, either by making your own, or ordering one from chains running specials for the holiday like Taco Bell or California Pizza Kitchen.

Learn about the Battle of Puebla

Cinco de Mayo is often mistakenly thought to be Mexican Independence Day. However, it commemorates one specific battle — the Battle of Puebla. According to History, Puebla was fought when France, Britain and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico after Mexico defaulted on government debts it could not afford to pay the European countries. A Mexican When an outnumbered Mexican force of 2,000 men defeated a French army of 6,000 soldiers at Puebla de Los Angeles, a city in east-central Mexico.

Brush up on your Spanish

What better occasion to practice speaking Spanish than today’s holiday? Start your second-language journey using an app like Duolingo to learn the fundamentals. If you’re feeling confident, immerse yourself in the language by watching a Spanish-language film or taking a crack at reading it by tackling a Spanish-language poem line by line.

Red, green and red Mexican bunting Papel Picado Mexico
Photo credit Getty Images

Make DIY decorations

Making some DIY Cinco de Mayo decorations is a great way to deck your house out for the holiday, especially if you have kids. Make the fiesta come alive with ornaments like mini piñatas, succulents and papel picado banners.

Learn a traditional Mexican dance

What kind of holiday is it if you’re not hitting the dance floor? A great start is learning the Jarabe Tapatío, commonly known in English as the Mexican Hat Dance.

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