Cinco de Mayo, which is celebrated on Tuesday, marks the 1862 defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla.
That was a sober moment in Mexican history. But these days, it can be hard to recall the holiday’s historic significance while taking in the savory foods, copious margaritas and strolling mariachi bands at the typical Corona- or Tecate-endorsed Cinco de Mayo street fair.
Another option: Bring the holiday home.
“Cinco de Mayo really is a rite of passage to spring,” says entertaining guru Colleen Mullaney, author of “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails” (Sixth & Spring Books).
Be sure to draw on the vibrant sights and sounds of Mexico when preparing a Cinco de Mayo fiesta.
“It’s a great occasion to spruce up your outdoor space,” the author said this week via e-mail. “I love to keep it low-key, make a big pitcher of margaritas (and) put on some festive music.”
In keeping with the holiday’s south-of-the-border spirit, Mullaney sets a table with brightly colored bowls and serves tropical snacks such as black bean dip with plantain chips or shrimp and citrus-infused cocktail sauce.
The most important thing: “Invite friends over to celebrate the season,” she says.
Here are five ways Mullaney and others go about throwing the perfect Cinco de Mayo celebration at home.
1. Set the scene. Create stations for easy-to-manage setup and optimal guest flow. Have a snack area, two bar areas and plenty of room for dancing. Mexican blankets make great table covers.
2. Drink up. Mix up the cocktail options with a classic margarita and something like the Mambo Maya, which is a combination of tequila, pineapple juice, papaya nectar, coconut nectar and lime.
3. Satisfying snacks. Avoid getting your guests too tipsy by strategically placing food around the party.
4. Bailando! The perfect playlist is crucial. Mullaney plays the Mambo All-Stars to get her guests in a dancing mood.
5. Smack talk.When it comes to Cinco de Mayo activities, the entertaining website Evite has just one word: piñata. Traditionalists will cram these large papier- mâche ornaments with candy and toys. But a grown- up’s Cinco de Mayo party might be better suited to little packets of Alka Seltzer or aspirin.
It’s a good idea to keep that piñata outside because of the mess it will make when one lucky reveler manages to pierce it. If you must bring the piñata indoors, remember to remove anything fragile or breakable from the area.
