This year's Cinco de Mayo party will be the best yet with these entertaining ideas spanning food, decorations and games.
Our Best Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas
Updated on Jun. 19, 2024
Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day to drink margaritas. May 5 is the date that Mexico took victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican War. (It’s also separate from Mexican Independence Day—that’s September 16.) However, feel free to join the festivities with these Cinco de Mayo party ideas, from pork carnitas and piñatas to tequila and tres leches cake.
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Turn up the heat with printed invites
Email invites have their place, but to really take your party to the next level, send punny printable Cinco de Mayo invitations (like these “hey hot stuff” cards from Let’s Mingle) attached to a mini bottle of hot sauce. Metallic confetti or tinsel stuffed inside adds the final fiesta-worthy touch.
Pair it with these delectable Cinco de Mayo party recipes that can’t-be-beat.
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Set the scene
Say cheese! Festive decorations make the party. Hang these traditional papel picado banners or pin them up to make a unique photo booth backdrop. Come up with a creative hashtag for any pictures your guests share online so you can look back on all the memories. Planning a small party? Here’s our collection of Cinco de Mayo recipes designed to serve four.
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Pick the perfect piñata
Go with a childhood favorite by hanging a piñata filled with a variety of candy and other little goodies. You can buy a classic donkey from the party store or make your own with crepe paper and cardboard (we love this trendy taco piñata from Studio DIY). We’ve even got a guide full of tips on how to make a piñata at home!
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Coordinate your place settings
Skip the plain paper plates in favor of a fun alternative like these cute cactus plates. You can pair them with similarly patterned cups and utensils, or mix and match colors and prints for a more festive feel.
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Plan games ahead of time
Every host knows that a good party shouldn’t be planned down to the last minute. But it’s still a good idea to have some backup games and entertainment in case there’s a lull. This Pin the Sombrero on the Llama game is silly, fun and easy to put up at a moment’s notice.
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Let guests make their meal
Did someone say tacos? Set up a build your own taco bar so everyone can pick and choose their favorite toppings. Make sure you have vegetarian options and plenty of homemade guacamole. Get started with these fabulous taco recipes.
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Opt for bright colors
When it comes to Cinco de Mayo party ideas, the brighter and bolder the colors, the better (think hot pink, citrus orange, lime green and vibrant blue). Giant tissue paper blooms, like these fiesta flowers, look gorgeous hung around the entryway.
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Break out the salsa
And we aren’t talking about pico de gallo (although that’s a must, too!). Get your blood pumping by asking everyone to join you on the dance floor for a little cha-cha-cha. You can hire a professional salsa dancer to teach you all the moves, or simply follow a tutorial on YouTube.
And when you’re done, kick back with our favorite salsa recipes.
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Don’t forget dessert
After salty chips and savory tacos, guests are going to be craving something sweet. Treat them to a classic Mexican dessert: tres leches cake. This cake is creamy and rich—guests will be begging you for the recipe when the party is over.
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Keep the memories goingÂ
The party doesn’t have to stop when the night is over. Send each person home with a mini bottle of tequila (wrapped in one of these adorable fiesta tags)—all they have to do is add lime and salt to make their own margaritas. Be an extra helpful host and include directions on how to make margaritas at home.
