Break out the piñatas, Cinco de Mayo is here! This day commemorates the unlikely victory at the Battle of Puebla of a ragtag group of Mexican fighters over Napoleon’s organized French army. The event occurred on May 5, 1862, so many people have forgotten its historical significance. But Cinco de Mayo has become a massive celebration of Mexican-American culture in the United States. Why not bring the party to work? Kick off Spring with your team and an office fiesta in honor of Cinco de Mayo? Parties are a great way to gather employees and show them they’re appreciated. With Mexico’s colorful culture and mouthwatering cuisine, you’ll have plenty to celebrate. Keep reading to discover the key elements to make your Cinco de Mayo office party flavorful, fun, and festive.
Nacho Average Party Food
The world owes Mexico a mammoth thank you for some of the most delicious foods on the planet, including corn, avocados, and chocolate, all of which are native to our neighbor to the south. Ever since the taco made its way to the U.S. about a century ago, Americans have had a love affair with Mexican food.
Mexican food is perfect for parties because it’s colorful and scrumptious. Plus, Mexican staples including beans, rice, and tortillas are easy on any budget. Consider treating your team to one of the following.
- Build-your-own taco bar
Present an assortment of fresh ingredients and allow guests to make the tacos of their dreams. Offer staples such as tortillas, taco shells, seasoned meat, beans, cheese, rice, shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. - Build-your-own nacho bar
Nachos may not be the most authentic Mexican food, but they’re fun to make and beloved by many. Provide tortilla chips, nacho cheese sauce, and lots of toppings, including shredded lettuce, jalapeño peppers, black olives, green onions, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of meat. - Catered Mexican meal
If a buffet-style meal isn’t what you have in mind, consider treating your employees to a catered family-style meal. Order from an authentic taqueria and your team can choose their favorite south-of-the-border cuisine, from carnitas to tamales and tortas.
If you want your party to be unforgettable in the best possible way, don’t skimp on the guacamole. Just mentioning the popular avocado dip in an online dating profile increases incoming messages by 144%. Think what it can do for your party.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with classic Mexican sweets, such as churros, flan, sopapillas, tres leches cake, or Mexican brownies, which have an added kick from cinnamon and chili or cayenne pepper. ¡Salud!Daytime work parties and alcohol usually don’t mix, but that doesn’t mean you can’t break out fancy glasses and serve booze-free versions of flavorful cocktails. Try these virgin spins on the originals.
- Margarita
Skip the tequila and mix equal parts lime, lemon, and orange juices with a splash of simple syrup. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wedge. - Michelada
This spicy but refreshing cocktail is made from a mixture of beer, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, and a savory ingredient such as Worcestershire sauce. Display lime wedges and a shallow dish of the spicy-salt mixture for people to rim their own glass. - Bloody Mary
Without vodka, this spicy drink almost counts as a serving of salad. Combine tomato and lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce, and garnish with a stalk of celery. - Sangria
You’ll hardly miss the red wine in this sparkly punch. Blend unsweetened grape, apple, lime, and lemon juices with sparkling water, then add lemon, orange, and apple slices.
Decorate with Inspiration from South of the Border
If you’re looking for a color theme, you can stick with red, green, and white, the colors of the Mexican flag. But when you’re celebrating Mexico’s vibrant culture, you can’t go wrong with any colors as long as they’re bright. Spruce up your office with these festive decorations inspired by Mexican culture.
- Chili pepper wreaths or garlands
Spicy dried peppers brighten any room. It’s as simple as hot gluing dried peppers to a wreath mold (just make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward). - Serapes
Traditional woven Mexican blankets make bright and festive tablecloths. - Cacti
Mexico has 114 known species of cactus. Adorn tables with these spiky, desert-loving plants to make people feel like they’re south of the border. - Tissue-paper decorations
Paper crafting is a fun Mexican tradition. Make cheerful paper flowers to decorate tables, or craft a tissue-paper garland to hang above the food table. Decorating a poster board with tissue-paper fringe that serves as a photo booth backdrop helps make your party memorable.
Get Festive
Once you plan the food, drink, and décor, it’s time to make your party come alive. Get people on their feet for some fun activities.
- Dance lessons
Bring in a dance instructor to teach your team a traditional Mexican dance such as salsa, merengue, the Mexican hat dance, or the cha cha. - Piñata
Everyone loves piñatas. Fill yours with prizes to delight grown-ups, such as lottery tickets, movie tickets, decks of cards, gum, and gift cards.
Fiesta Time
With these tips, your office fiesta is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to explain the significance of Cinco de Mayo to your team. Nearly 36 million Americans claim full or partial Mexican ancestry, which is a good reason to celebrate.
