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Aug 21, 2023

15 Cheap Cinco De Mayo Party Ideas on a Budget

By Albert Costill

By Albert Costill • May 1, 2023

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This story originally appeared on Due

On the fifth of May, everyone knows what that means – Cinco de Mayo! It's a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day. However, that's not true.

It commemorates the 1862 victory of the Mexican army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. It has become a common practice to celebrate Mexican culture on this day.

If you’re planning on celebrating Cinco de Mayo by hosting a party this year but would like to save some money, check out these ideas. To prevent cultural sensitivity issues, if you are not of Mexican descent, you should educate yourself on the holiday and its customs.

Your party invites can be sent out digitally, saving you money and trees. Using sites such as Evite.com, Paperlesspost, or Punchbowl.com, you can create custom digital invitations or create a Facebook event.

Also, you can add personalized messages to your avoid, as well as the party's title, location, and description. You can even make your own layout by adding pictures and playing around with fonts.

With an email card, you can create an RSVP system and a private party message board. Most e-vites are free, but some charge for more features.

Make tissue paper flowers, a Cinco de Mayo décor element that is a must. It only takes four sheets of 6″ x 12″ tissue paper, a pipe cleaner, and a little creativity to make this Cinco de Mayo party idea.

Don't want to do it yourself? You can buy handmade paper flowers from Chayo's Flowers without feeling guilty — 6 flowers per bunch cost only $3.95.

No party is complete without a piñata! Take a look at DIY piñata tutorials and gather the materials to make one on your own. The main materials you will need are tissue paper or crepe paper, newspaper, glue, scissors, water, flour, masking tape, and cardboard or balloon.

If you don't already have arts and crafts supplies, Walmart or Michaels have affordable options.

Another idea? Place candy, and some crinkled-up newspaper, in a decorative shopping bag, then tape or staple it closed and hang it just high enough so that it's difficult to hit. You’ll have a blast watching your guests, adults and children alike, take a whack at your colorful creation when you blindfold them.

Taco bars are quick, easy, and cheap to assemble, and they allow party guests to showcase their culinary skills. The possibilities for taco bar fillings and garnishes are endless. However, here are some suggestions:

If you don't want to foot the whole bill, ask each invitee to bring an ingredient.

A margarita bar where guests can pour their own drinks might be a fun idea. There are a number of things you can include in your margarita bar:

Just like with your taco bar, you could ask guests to bring various ingredients.

The original Mexican art of papel picado, or "pecked paper," has intricate designs cut into tissue paper sheets. You can make this into a family art project with some construction or tissue paper, string, scissors, tape or a glue stick, and a pencil.

Papel picado banners can also be purchased for under $10.

In the US, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular holiday with parades, reenactments, and tandem skydiving. The following parades and fiestas might be of interest to you:

Communities across America are becoming more aware of the innumerable contributions made by Hispanic Americans to U.S. culture, society, and history. Hispanic arts and social movements can be explored at many museums across the country.

A Spanish-speaking friend can help you and your guests appreciate the culture behind the holiday by teaching you some key Spanish phrases. Or, you can learn the language for free at the following sites:

There is a wide range of Mexican-American films present in these films, from powerful dramas to romantic comedies to kid-friendly films. Children and adults will enjoy the films, which bring important cultural experiences to life.

There is a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences in traditional Mexican dances. During colonial times, the Spanish were unsuccessful in suppressing indigenous dance, instead incorporating Spanish culture into it.

Dedicated troupes, such as the Ballet Folklorico, perform folklorico and jarabe styles as part of Mexico's national identity.

During your party, you and your guests could watch a YouTube video teaching any of the following dances:

Kids can burn off some energy by participating in this popular Mexican sport. You can host a friendly soccer game in your backyard by putting two cones (as goals) on either side. Of course, adults can play too.

Also, in Mexican villages, kickball is a traditional sport and is great for outdoor parties — although it's a bit different from American kickball. The partygoers should be divided into two teams. The object of the game is for each team member to kick a ball around an obstacle course and the team whose members complete the course first wins. For the obstacle course, you can use cones, chairs, or anything else you have on hand.

Traditional Mexican folk music ensembles include a line-up of specific instruments: violins, guitars, trumpets, a 15th-century Spanish string instrument called a vihuela, and bass guitars. Cinco de Mayo would not be complete without mariachi bands, which date back to the 18th century and are rooted in revolutionary history.

Since you’re on a budget, you probably can't hire a mariachi band to perform at your party — unless everyone chips in. However, you might be able to catch a live performance if a mariachi band is playing at a local parade or fiesta.

Another option? Listen to this Spotify playlist.

While there will be plenty of Cinco de Mayo deals at chain restaurants (and some retailers), consider supporting local small Mexican businesses rather than Taco Bell or Del Taco. But, it's even more crucial if you don't belong to the Mexican community.

Do your research and buy from Mexican business owners if you want to show respect for Mexican history and culture. Discover Mexican businesses in need of support by searching for everything you need for your Cinco de Mayo party. Or, even consider having lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.

You may be surprised to learn that in some Mexico towns, at 2 p.m. everyone stops working and takes a nap. It's usually hot during this time of day, so they relax with some drinks and bread.

So, why not follow this siesta tradition for a fun Cinco de Mayo? Make your Cinco de Mayo party ultra-laid-back by asking your guests to being their hammocks and comfy patio furniture if you’re short-handed.

There is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo marks Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorates a pivotal battle that took place in Puebla, a city during the Franco-Mexican War.

Despite being considered the underdogs, the Mexican Army was able to defeat the French. In contrast, Mexican Independence Day actually occurred 50 years earlier, on September 16, 1810.

Despite the fact that Cinco de Mayo translates to the Fifth of May, which is the day when the holiday is celebrated in Puebla, Mexico, where the holiday originated, Mexicans don't actually call it that. The holiday is officially known as El Da de la Batalla de Puebla, which translates to "The Day of the Battle of Puebla."

American and Latino newspapers in California reported on Mexican soldiers’ valorous efforts a few weeks after the Battle of Puebla. The state's residents were so excited they organized parades of Civil War-era costumes.

One northern California town celebrated with drinks, food, and banquets — this was probably the first Cinco de Mayo fiesta in the country.

In spite of being celebrated within weeks of the Battle of Puebla in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo was not officially recognized until 1933. At that time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped establish the "Good Neighbor Policy" with Latin American countries to establish positive exchanges and relationships.

Traditionally, Cinco De Mayo celebrates Mexican history, culture, values, and ethnicity. With a tostada in one hand and a bottle of Jarritos in the other, there is no better way to celebrate Mexican pride.

Even with the commercialization of Cinco de Mayo in the 1980s, the Mexican feast remains a staple of the celebration, since 1863. And, this typically includes tacos, tamales, pozole, and mole.

The post 15 Cheap Cinco De Mayo Party Ideas on a Budget appeared first on Due.