May 5th in Mexico is huge. Translated in Spanish as “Cinco de Mayo” the holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla more than a century ago. The French were highly expected to win. They possessed better equipment and additionally were undefeated for almost 50 years. What a victory it was for Mexico and the day still deserves to be honored. However with swine flu fears and paranoia, many of the fiestas and celebrations have been canceled.

But that’s nonsense!! Invite over your closest friends and family and have your own Cinco de Mayo celebration. Here are five steps to pulling it off in such short notice.

1. Stop by Taco Bell and pick up a family pack of tacos – hard and soft. Request lots of mild, medium, and hot sauce.
2. Visit your local party store for a pinata and margarita mix.
3. Ice your cerveza (beer) and tequila as soon as you get home.
4. Since you’re hosting you have to look the part. Girls – Slip on a long, breezy, colorful dress or off-the-shoulder ruffled shirt. With your hair in a bun, accessorize your look with hoop or chandlier earrings. Guys – a sombrero is perfect, but if you don’t have one around, slick your hair back. Choose a white button up, black slacks, and tie a bandana around your neck. Perfeccione!
5. Hang fun patio lanterns outside, setting the mood for your guests to know they’re coming to a muy buena fiesta!

Aclamaciones!