Cinco de Mayo & Mexican Fiesta Decor and Supplies

April 17, 2023

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Featured image is our hands down favorite Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Decoration >> LuluFlora's Mini Pinatas

This May 5th take time to really think about how and why you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Make sure your celebration is all about the cultural appreciation of the Mexican community and not simply about drinking and partying. A misguided approach to Cinco de Mayo can quickly transform a celebration of cultural appreciation into a holiday that is full of cultural appropriation.

What is Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of culture and freedom. The celebration is a result of the victory of the outnumbered Mexican Army defeating the French imperial invaders in the Town of Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862. Because this battle is relatively insignificant in the grander history of the war between Mexico and France, Puebla, Mexico is one of the only places you can find any Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico.

In America, and around the world, the celebrations have taken on party-friendly connotations. This cultural appropriation of the intended celebration of freedom began in the 1970s and 1980s as an attempt by beer and snack companies' marketing arms to create new selling opportunities. And it worked. It worked partially because the Mexican culture is so vibrant, colorful and flavorful, the companies found it an easy sell. Who doesn't want an excuse to eat fabulous spice-filled food paired with yummy drinks.

For those wondering, here a a few absolute NO NOs.

Do not wear racist costumes or appropriated clothing! In Mexican culture, low riders and chola/o attire are a part of many people’s self-identification. Wearing these items are tantamount to mocking their identity.
- This means NO sombreros, fake mustaches, Mexican-inspired ponchos, nail art, make-up and face paint
- This means NO religious accessories including rosaries and candles
Skip fake Mexican foods and drinks. No Doritos or Hot Cheetos or even Taco Bell. Skip the canned salsa and go for a fresh brand found in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Or better yet, make your own Mango Salsa or opt to celebrate at an authentic local Mexican owned restaurant.
If you are sending invitations or using paper plates, choose colorful Mexican inspired prints rather than ones plastered with ponchos, sombreros, and maracas.

Cinco de Mayo & Mexican Fiesta Decor, Kitchen & Dining Supplies

Fiesta Party Invitations

Remember, your invitation sets the tone for your party! And most of these invitations can customized so you can change a bridal shower into a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta or a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta into a birthday celebration.

We cannot believe we are saying this but since a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta is generally a pretty casual affair, this may be the perfect occasion to send an online invitation. Best yet, the featured invites are FREE!