5 Ways to Elevate Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Style
Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or just enjoy delicious Mexican food, and drinks on the day.? Be honest. Cinco de Mayo is huge here in California. I am joining my pals Mary Ann and Annie, so let’s talk about 5 ways to elevate your Cinco de Mayo celebration with style.
5 Ways to Elevate Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Style
Embrace the Holiday and Celebrate the Culture
Cinco de Mayo, which translates to “Fifth of May” in Spanish, is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite being outnumbered and facing a better-equipped French army, the Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended the city of Puebla.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo has become a significant cultural celebration, particularly in here in the U.S, where it is observed with festivals, parades, traditional Mexican music, dance performances, and, of course, plenty of Mexican cuisine and drinks.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the historic battle took place. While it is recognized as a national holiday in Mexico, its observance is more subdued compared to the elaborate festivities here in the United States.
Enjoy your Favorite Mexican Dishes & Drinks
We love Mexican food. Locally we love Finca and the Fish Gaucho is popular with locals as well. Salinas has great Mexican food options. We have not found as many here. Speak up locals and share your favorites. We don’t need gourmet options just great traditional Mexican food.
I shared my favorite ceviche recipe in my post How to Throw a Simple Outdoor Galentine Party here.
This enchilada recipe from the Pink Adobe in Santa Fe is a family favorite of ours, and the guacamole salad recipe is also featured in my post Simple Summer Dinner by the Pool here. You can find Pinch of Yum’s Tinga Tacos in my post Do you Love the Color Green and Mexican Food here, and an easy slow cooker Birria taco recipe here.
Rick Bayless never disappoints when it comes to Mexican food. We have been to Topolobanco and Frontera Grill in Chicago and had wonderful meals. I have several of his cookbooks and none disappoint. You can find them on Amazon here. If you are having a crowd you might like his margarita recipe for a crowd, or his blood orange margaritas here. I am a sucker for anything blood orange.
Celebrate the Artistry of Mexico
You can read more about the history of Mexican art here . I love the “frida kahlo” style Oaxacan earrings. You can find them on Novica here, on Etsy here, or on eBay here. One of my favorite artists Federico Jimenez creates some beautiful options (of course they are more expensive) that you can find on eBay here.
Mexican Inspired Outfit of the Week
This embroidered dress from Boden could be dressed down with sandals, or dressed up with block heels (if you have to I wouldn’t) for a beach or garden wedding.
SHOP THE LOOK
I also found this pretty Mexican inspired embroidered top at Boden. You could wear the same accessories from last week’s outfit of the week found here. The bag is sold out, so I replaced it with a similar bag from West Elm.
SHOP THE LOOK
Kelley (Blu Canoe) Spanish Revival Home & Garden
If you are in Southern California, you don’t want to miss my friend Kelley’s shop Blu Canoe on Balboa Island. Kelley is one of the most creative people I know. I have not visited since she has relocated and enlarged her shop. I can’t wait to get down there. She has designed many fabulous homes and gardens, and continues to do so via her Blue Canoe Studio. If you need help with your home, she is your girl.
Thank you for reading 5 Ways to Elevate Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Style. Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo? If so I would love to hear how!
Let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie and see what they have up their sleeves.
A little late to the Cinco celebration. Love this post and all things Mexican. Rick Bayless is amazing, we have all of his cookbooks. Have you made the Yucatan chicken? It is delicious! I also love Patti Jinich, her books and recipes are also delicious.
Boden has beautiful dresses this season! The embroidery make these extra special.
This makes me miss Mexico and California. We made a Mexican dinner with friends las night in Tampa. I could have used your Margaritas For A Crowd!
I bet!!
Your blog is one of my favorites, I love your style. I had the best fish tacos at Pier 46 in Templeton, by Trader Joe’s several years ago. They were as good as ones I’ve had in Enesenada years ago. We have to go back. And when I cook Mexican food I use Rick Bayless’ recipes, they are very similar to my family’s dishes. Santa Barbara has some great Mexican restaurants, Santo Mescal is one of my favorites.
Hi Cindy Lou
We love Pier 46. Their ahi tacos are to die for!!
Cindy, thank you for the history lesson on Cinco de Mayo. I was in Puebla once and it is such a charming town. Little did I know about the military victory there. I love Boden and own a few of their pieces but need to check out the colorful embroidered ones you shared. Happy Cinco de Mayo. We unfortunately are not celebrating with a crowd as we are very pooped from traveling to our daughter’s graduation yesterday. But we have lots of fabulous Mexican food here in Phoenix.
Hi Mary
Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation!
Loved Bayless ‘s restaurants and books. Creative but respectful. Not being disrespectful in my kitchen, I’ve been changing my taco salads by using shredded cabbage instead of lettuce and gasp! Fritos for tortillas chips. It stays crunchy!
Our last trip not Lyon, France was fall 2019 and we chatted with a retired couple from LA. They were on a wine cruise with a layover in Lyon a city known for its food scene. The couple was so excited that they found a Mexican restaurant and finally had a margarita. We were appalled!
Hi Patricia
Mexican food in Provence? That is hilarious. When you travel enjoy the local fare, right? Cabbage is a great option!!
I agree with you about Rick Bayless. He has three restaurants in OHare Airport! Some people say it’s the best food in any airport, anywhere. I heard a man say he deliberately booked flights through OHare to eat at a Torta Frontera (I’ve done that too.
Hi Ellen
I have not been to Ohare since they have opened. Perhaps next year!
I love you style…I love you blog….thanks for the joy and inspiration. I did not see the enchilada recipe from the restaurant…or was it the crab enchiladas? Can’t wait to try all! Adios!
Hi Mary Anne
The enchilada recipe is here https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/simple-summer-dinner-by-poo/ Sorry!!
I love anything blood orange also. Have you tried the Fage Greek yogurt in blood orange flavor? Delicious
OMG no I haven’t !! I haven’t seen it. I am on thw hunt now Holly!!
I LOVE your blog! Thank you fo everything you share!!! We are taking our first trip to Santa Fe. Can you do a blog on your favorite jewelry stores, restaurants, museums and anything else we must see! Thank you!!!
Hi Amy
I haven’t been for quite some time, but I will do my best!! I may have to ask Jill Sharp Weeks!
Great stuff – we’ve also enjoyed Bayless’ places…would have loved to have the recipes earlier as our menu is set and in process for our Cinco de Mayo party this afternoon. Maybe next year ;0) Celebramos!
Enjoy!!
Good morning and Happy Cinco de Mayo! I’m ready to celebrate with my favorite Mexican foods and margaritas. That Boden dress is gorgeous. We’ve visited Rick Bayless’ Chicago restaurants too and may have had one of our favorite meals ever at Frontier Grill. And the elevated churros were out of this world. xo
Frontier Grill the BEST!!