The festive foods, sounds and decorations of Mexico will leave a memorable impression on any party guest. Finding the perfect theme for your party will not be difficult. Mexico is a vast region with a melting pot of cultures and peoples. You can blend in traditional Mexican holidays, traditions, cultural attributes, cuisines and ethnic backgrounds. Be creative and mix in some of your own personal tastes when planning your Mexican party. Does this Spark an idea?
Holidays
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a popular celebration in the United States, but it might surprise many to know that it isn't an integral part of Mexican culture. Mexico's Day of the Dead or All Souls' Day (Nov. 2) is much more widely celebrated by people of Hispanic heritage all over the world. Use traditions from this holiday for your event such as decorating with sugar skulls (representing relatives who have passed on), marigolds, candied pumpkin, altars and Catrina figurines. Another popular holiday to include is Carnival, celebrated during the week before Lent begins. Dictate the dress code to include elaborate costumes, bull fighting attire and masks. Gain inspiration from other holidays like Virgin Mary of Guadalupe Day (Dec. 12), Día de la Candelaria (Feb. 2), Día de Los Santos Reyes (Jan. 6), and St. John the Baptist Day (June 24). Use the traditions of these celebrations to incorporate into your party or plan parties around their dates.
Heritage
Pay homage to the ethnic diversity of Mexico by honoring the many ancestors of the culture. Peoples like the Maya, Aztec, Inca, Zapotec, Spanish, Portuguese, Argentinian and Peruvian have had a huge impact on Mexican tradition and culture. Create Mesoamerican temples and structures with cakes or out of cardboard. The pyramids of Kukulcan and El Castillo make for dramatic replicas. Make Mexican masks from ready-to-decorate masks from hobby stores or even paper plates. Play traditional ball games such as ulama or soccer, or set up some wrestling.
Cuisines
An exciting cornucopia of traditional cuisines based on native produce and animals can be found in Mexico. Either showcase one or serve a diverse selection. Northern Mexico consumes a lot of goat and beef. Goat is not usually found in mainstream U.S. grocery stores but can be readily found in Mexican specialty stores. Central Mexico serves a lot of pork, chicken and beef. Southern Mexico relies heavily on seafood. Serve any of these offerings with vegetables in traditional preparations such as ceviche, sopa, guacamole, burritos, tacos, chili rellinos, enchiladas, mole chicken and tamales. Cheese-covered nachos and cheesy sauces, popular in the United States, are rarely used in traditional Mexican cooking. Have your guests make their own tacos by offering a buffet of different topping choices. Provide a host of salsas that will appeal to any palate.
Coastal Mexico
Tourists flock to the Mexican coasts every year. Use beach ideas for your party's theme. Serve pina coladas, margaritas, fresh seafood tacos and fresh fruit. Have your party outdoors and decorate with Mexican flags, seashells and tropical flowers. Turn your back yard into a mini beachfront by laying down tarp and adding sand on top. You and your guests will be transported to places like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas in no time.
Party Festivities
Not every Mexican-themed party needs to include a pinata, but you can buy one or make your own. Purchase some Mexican candy such as Duvalin Choc-Vanilla Candy Creams, Vero Mango Candy and Tamarind Mexican Candy from a Mexican grocery or an online candy store (see Resources). Mariachi, Caribbean, banda and Son Jarocho music will make your party a hit. Mexico is a brilliant theme to chose for any party. The country's unbelievable diversity, heritage, cuisine and regions will give you plenty of ideas for making your theme party a blast.
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