What food should I serve at a Cinco de Mayo party?

Serve traditional Mexican favorites: street tacos with carnitas or carne asada, loaded nachos, guacamole and chips, Mexican rice and beans, elote (street corn), churros for dessert. Set up a margarita bar and offer Mexican beer and agua frescas.

What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It's not Mexican Independence Day (that's September 16). In the US, it's evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

How many tacos per person for Cinco de Mayo?

Plan 3-4 tacos per adult guest when tacos are the main dish. If you're serving multiple appetizers and sides alongside, 2-3 tacos per person is sufficient. Always have extra tortillas on hand.

Cinco de Mayo Party Guide - Mexican Fiesta Menu & Decorations

Cinco de Mayo has become one of America's most celebrated holidays—and for good reason. It's the perfect excuse to gather friends, make incredible food, and celebrate Mexican culture. Here's how to throw a fiesta that's festive, authentic, and absolutely delicious.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day (that's September 16th). It commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army unexpectedly defeated French forces despite being outnumbered.

In the United States, it's evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, heritage, and community—often with more fanfare than in Mexico itself. Either way, it's a wonderful occasion to enjoy amazing food and celebrate with loved ones.

Complete Cinco de Mayo Menu

Appetizers

• Guacamole & chips
• Queso fundido
• Pico de gallo
• Loaded nachos
• Jalapeño poppers
• Taquitos/flautas
• Ceviche tostadas

Main Courses

• Street tacos (carnitas, asada)
• Birria tacos
• Enchiladas
• Chicken tostadas
• Sopes
• Tamales
• Chilaquiles

Sides & Desserts

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Elote (street corn)
• Churros or bunuelos
• Tres leches cake
• Flan
• Fresh fruit with chili-lime

Setting Up a Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar

For 20 Guests

Tortillas

• 60 corn tortillas
• 40 flour tortillas
• 4 bags chips

Proteins

• 5 lbs carnitas
• 4 lbs carne asada
• 3 lbs chicken

Toppings

• 2 lbs onions, diced
• 2 bunches cilantro
• 2 lbs shredded cheese
• Limes (20+)

Salsas

• Salsa verde (2 jars)
• Salsa roja (2 jars)
• Pico de gallo (4 cups)
• Guacamole (6 cups)

Pro Tip: Flow Matters

Arrange your bar in order: tortillas → proteins → toppings → salsas → drinks. This prevents bottlenecks and keeps the line moving. Have plates at the start and napkins at the end.

Cinco de Mayo Drinks

Margarita Bar Setup

Base: Good tequila (silver for mixing), triple sec or Cointreau
Citrus: Fresh lime juice (never bottled!), lemon
Flavors: Strawberry puree, mango, jalapeño slices
Rims: Kosher salt, Tajín, sugar for strawberry
Garnishes: Lime wheels, fresh fruit

Batch ratio (per 10 drinks): 2 cups tequila + 1 cup triple sec + 1 cup lime juice + simple syrup to taste

Non-Alcoholic Options

Agua de Jamaica: Hibiscus tea, sweet and tangy
Horchata: Creamy rice and cinnamon drink
Agua de Tamarindo: Sweet-sour tamarind
Limonada: Fresh Mexican-style limeade
Jarritos: Assorted Mexican sodas
Virgin margaritas: Lime, simple syrup, sparkling water

Beer Selection

Stock Mexican beers: Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis, Pacifico, Tecate. Serve with lime wedges. For craft options, look for Mexican-style lagers from local breweries.

Cinco de Mayo Decorations

Must-Have Decor

• Papel picado: Colorful perforated paper banners
• Mexican flag colors: Green, white, red everywhere
• Serape fabric: Table runners or as backdrop
• Sombreros: Hung on walls or as centerpieces
• Marigolds: Traditional Mexican flowers (fresh or paper)
• Cacti: Real or decorative

Table Settings

• Colorful tablecloths (one solid, one patterned)
• Talavera-style plates (or paper versions)
• Mason jars with marigolds
• Mini piñatas as centerpieces
• Candles in colorful votives
• Chili pepper string lights

Party Day Timeline

Week Before

Order tortillas, buy decorations, create playlist, send final reminders to guests.

2 Days Before

Buy groceries, prep salsas (they improve overnight), marinate meats.

Day Before

Hang decorations, set up tables, prep all toppings, make agua frescas, batch margarita mix.

Morning Of

Start slow cooker meats, make guacamole (cover surface with plastic), set out chips and dips.

1 Hour Before

Warm tortillas, fill coolers with ice and beer, set up drink station, start music.

Fiesta Time!

¡Viva México! Welcome guests with a margarita and enjoy the celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cultural appropriation to throw a Cinco de Mayo party?

Not when done respectfully! Focus on appreciation: serve authentic food, learn about the history, and avoid offensive stereotypes. Many Mexican-Americans embrace the holiday as a celebration of their culture.

Can I have a Cinco de Mayo party on a different day?

Absolutely! May 5th often falls on a weekday. Hosting your fiesta the weekend before or after is totally fine. The celebration is what matters, not the exact date.

What if guests don't like spicy food?

Keep spicy elements on the side! Offer mild salsa alongside hot, have cheese quesadillas for picky eaters, and label anything spicy clearly. Mexican food can be as mild or hot as you make it.

Cinco de Mayo Party Guide

Quick Answer