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What Are the Best Tips for Throwing a Mexican-Themed Party?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

A Mexican-themed party, or fiesta, can be a fun and lively event on Cinco de Mayo, or any time of year. Mexican music, colorful decorations, and traditional Mexican items, like pinatas and sombreros, will add authenticity to the festivities. Mexican party food can be very simple, and it should include easy finger foods, like tortilla chips. Depending on the ages of the guests, margaritas or lemonade can also be served.

Mexican music is almost always a must for a Mexican-themed party. To add to the ambiance of this type of party, a compact disc of Mexican music can be played in the background. For party planners with larger budgets, an authentic mariachi band can also be hired.

Avocados are a must at any Mexican-themed party.
Avocados are a must at any Mexican-themed party.

The decorations for a Mexican-themed party should be vibrant and colorful. Tablecloths and streamers can be purchased in colors like red, yellow, orange, green, and aqua. Red, white, and green ® the colors of the Mexican flag ® can also be used to decorate the party space. If one is available, a large Mexican flag can also be hung on the wall.

Some Mexican-themed party games can also be used as decorations. Pinatas, for example, are one of the most common and popular Mexican-themed party games and decoration. These brightly colored hollow containers typically hold candy and other treats. Traditionally, party-goers are blindfolded and try to hit the pinata with a stick to break it open.

Pinatas are popular fun at Mexican-themed parties.
Pinatas are popular fun at Mexican-themed parties.

Since blindfolded party guests swinging heavy sticks can be disastrous, safer pinatas have been developed. These types of pinatas have several strings on the bottom. When a party-goer pulls the right string, a trap door opens and the contents of the pinata spill out. For brave party planners, however, the traditional styles are still available.

Other types of Mexican-themed party decorations can also be used as party favors. Sombreros, for instance, can be given to guests as they arrive. Maracas are traditional Latin American percussion instruments that make a rattling noise when shaken. These can also be handed out to guests, either at the beginning or end of a Mexican party, depending on the host's tolerance of noise.

Tequila, salt and lime can be part of a Mexican-themed party.
Tequila, salt and lime can be part of a Mexican-themed party.

Food at a Mexican-themed party can usually be quite simple to prepare and eat. Tortilla chips and salsa are common and popular Mexican party food items. Cheese quesadillas also make excellent finger food. A Mexican dinner party can also include a taco bar, where guests can make their own tacos. Along with meat and taco shells, a taco bar can also include shredded lettuce, dices tomatoes, shredded cheese, olives, and hot peppers.

A touch of cinnamon in a brownie recipe can give the treat an authentic, Mexican taste.
A touch of cinnamon in a brownie recipe can give the treat an authentic, Mexican taste.

For an adult Mexican-themed party, Mexican beer or margaritas can also be served. Cheap margarita glasses can be found at party supply stores. After their rims have been salted, these can be filled with a mix of blended ice, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and lime juice. Non-alcoholic beverages, such as water or lemonade, should also be available for the designated drivers. Lemonade slushies can also be served in margarita glasses at a Mexican party for kids.

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    • Avocados are a must at any Mexican-themed party.
      By: luminouslens
      Avocados are a must at any Mexican-themed party.
    • Pinatas are popular fun at Mexican-themed parties.
      By: lunamarina
      Pinatas are popular fun at Mexican-themed parties.
    • Tequila, salt and lime can be part of a Mexican-themed party.
      By: Gresei
      Tequila, salt and lime can be part of a Mexican-themed party.
    • A touch of cinnamon in a brownie recipe can give the treat an authentic, Mexican taste.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      A touch of cinnamon in a brownie recipe can give the treat an authentic, Mexican taste.
    • Authentic foods like tamales may work well at a Mexican-themed party.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Authentic foods like tamales may work well at a Mexican-themed party.
    • Robust tomato salsa is a perfect accompaniment to many Mexican entrees.
      By: JJAVA
      Robust tomato salsa is a perfect accompaniment to many Mexican entrees.