Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively: 5 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Home

This post is in partnership with CHI-CHI’S®.

On May 5th, 1862, the Mexican Army was victorious against the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. Since then, this day (Cinco de Mayo) has been commemorated (in Mexico, the U.S., and other places in the world) as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. From Mexican music to food to crafts and more, it's a day that many are used to enjoying out at restaurants or bars with friends and family.

Like a whole lot of things lately, Cinco de Mayo (which is tomorrow!) looks a little different this year. But just because you can't be out and about celebrating with groups of people doesn't mean you can't make the most of the day at home. My little ones and I have come up with some fun ideas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo right here in our house with our family - including the coolest live, socially distanced mariachi music brought to us by our friends at CHI-CHI’S® (more on that in a minute!). The best part is that these ideas are simple, easy, and perfect for all you last minute planners (ahem, like me).

1. Learn about the history of Cinco De Mayo.
Many of us are playing teacher right now (or at least attempting to) while our kids e-learn. We plan to start tomorrow's school day with a lesson about the significance of Cinco de Mayo and its history. There are many online resources you can find to help your kids understand more about the holiday and the history behind it. We also talk to our little ones about the importance of being respectful of these traditions while we celebrate. Even if you don't have kids, it's both interesting and important to educate ourselves on what the holiday really means.

2. Dance to a live mariachi band!
You might not be able to see a mariachi band in person this Cinco de Mayo, but you can watch one - live - right in your own living room! The makers of CHI-CHI’S® products (the nation’s celebration-focused salsa, tortilla and chip brand!) are teaming up with the Mariachi Heritage Foundation to commission mariachi band members for "Singo de Maya" to continually play in a virtual celebration throughout the day on May 5. Seriously, how cool is that? You can even have the chance to experience a private 30-minute mariachi concert! So fun! All you have to do is sign up for a chance to win by registering right here (and do it quick - the chance to register closes at 5 PM CST today!). There will also be a virtual happy hour from 6-7 p.m. CT where fans from across the nation can enjoy the music together on YouTube.

The CHI-CHI’S® brand will also be donating $10,000 to the Mariachi Heritage Foundation, which will help its members who may find themselves losing work or struggling during these difficult times. (I love this so much.) Those of you who join us in the Zoom mariachi are also welcome to show their gratitude by donating to the foundation here while enjoying the performances.

3. Eat Mexican inspired food.
You don't have to be an expert chef or have a lot of special ingredients on hand to create delicious Mexican inspired treats for Cinco de Mayo. We'll be whipping up some quesadillas, tacos, chips and salsa, and other goodies. Thankfully, we usually have several varieties of CHI-CHI’S® salsas on hand, which is perfect for the holiday. Bonus: Cinco de Mayo is also on a Taco Tuesday this year!

4. Make your own maracas/shakers.
This is a great project to do with the kids, and perfect for the Zoom mariachi bands you can watch all day, thanks to CHI-CHI’S and the Mariachi Heritage Foundation! Just fill toilet paper or paper towel rolls with dried beans, lentils, or rice, tape closed with duct tape or masking tape, and make them colorful with whatever supplies you have on hand. We wrapped ours with construction paper and taped on thin strips for more color.

5. Decorate with Mexican inspired decor.
We don't have any Mexican inspired decorations at our house right now, and ran out of time to order or make them. But if you have the supplies around your house, you can make red, white and green streamers, pinwheels, or other fun decor to represent the Mexican flag. You can also create your own Papel Picado flags out of paper or fabric. We are big fans of beautiful, bright Mexican style table settings, so for the decor at our at-home Cinco de Mayo party, we'll be using some bold colored bowls and table covers we already have on hand.

I hope you all have as much fun celebrating Cinco de Mayo at home as we will! And don't forget to join us tomorrow as mariachi band members serenade us on Zoom, thanks to the CHI-CHI’S® brand and the Mariachi Heritage Foundation. You can register here. We can't wait!