Celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Food, Fun, and Festivities Await!

Cinco de Mayo always sneaks up on me. One minute it is a normal weeknight, and the next I am texting friends like, are we doing tacos or what? If you have ever wanted to celebrate but felt unsure what the day is actually about, you are not alone. I used to think it was basically Mexican Independence Day, and yep, I was totally mixing things up. Now I treat it like a chance to learn a little, cook something bold, and set out a spread that makes everyone hover around the kitchen. Today I am sharing my go to party plan plus my favorite recipe for crunchy, cheesy chicken tinga tostadas.

History of the holiday in Mexico

Let us get the big picture straight first, because it makes the celebration feel more meaningful. Cinco de Mayo is tied to a specific moment in Mexican history, not a general national birthday. In the 1860s, Mexico was dealing with major financial trouble and political instability, and foreign powers were pushing in. France, under Napoleon III, wanted to expand influence in Mexico, and French troops moved toward Mexico City.

Mexico resisted, and one key battle became the heart of what people remember on Cinco de Mayo. It is basically a story about grit and showing up even when the odds look ridiculous. I like that. It is the same energy as cooking for a crowd in a tiny kitchen and still pulling it off.

When I host, I keep the menu simple but fun. I usually add one easy side and one sweet thing so it feels like a real little feast. If you need more dinner inspiration beyond the holiday, I have been bookmarking ideas like these easy lazy high protein dinner ideas for busy weeks too.

The Battle of Puebla

The Battle of Puebla happened on May 5, 1862. A smaller, less equipped Mexican force defeated a larger French army near the city of Puebla. It was not the end of the conflict overall, but it became a huge morale boost and a symbol of resistance.

Here is the part I always remember: it was not a win because everything was perfect. It was a win because people defended their home with what they had. That is why, when I cook for Cinco de Mayo, I lean into foods that feel brave and loud with flavor.

My favorite Cinco de Mayo recipe: Chicken tinga tostadas

This is my forever recipe for a party because it checks all the boxes: smoky, a little spicy, super juicy, and everyone builds their own plate. Plus, the leftovers are amazing the next day.

What you will need

• 2 pounds cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is totally fine)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 to 15 oz) fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo (start with 2 if you are unsure)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Tostadas (store bought) or crunchy tortillas

Toppings I love

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Sour cream or crema
• Avocado or guacamole
• Lime wedges
• Pickled red onions if you have them

Directions

• In a skillet, heat the oil and cook the sliced onion for about 6 to 8 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Blend the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Pour that sauce into the skillet and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, stirring so it thickens a bit.
• Add shredded chicken and toss until everything is coated and hot. Taste and adjust salt, and add more chipotle if you want more heat.
• Serve it warm on tostadas with toppings.

My real life tips

If you are feeding a mixed crowd, keep the tinga medium and let people add heat with hot sauce. Also, put toppings in little bowls and set out plenty of napkins. Tostadas are delicious but they are also chaotic in the best way.

If you want another cheesy handheld option for the table, these BBQ chicken quesadillas are a solid add on when you need one more easy platter.

I made your chicken tinga tostadas for our office potluck and people kept asking what the smoky sauce was. It was the first dish gone, and I am not even a confident cook. Totally making it again next year.

Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States?

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo grew into a bigger cultural celebration over time, especially in places with strong Mexican American communities. It became a day to highlight Mexican heritage, music, food, and pride. For a lot of people, it is less about reenacting history and more about gathering with family and friends and celebrating culture through fun, community events, and yes, good food.

It also got commercialized, which is why you see party kits everywhere. My personal approach is to keep it respectful: know what the day marks, support Mexican owned businesses when you can, and cook something inspired that you actually care about.

Simple party plan that always works

If you are hosting, do not overcomplicate it. Here is the simple flow I follow so I am not stuck cooking while everyone else is laughing in the living room:

• One main: chicken tinga tostadas
• One extra warm dish: quesadillas, or a tray of something quick
• Two cold toppings: salsa and guacamole or pico
• One sweet: churro style bites, brownies, or chocolate something
• One drink: aguas frescas, lime soda, or simple margaritas

When I want a super low effort crispy appetizer, I sometimes pull out the air fryer and make something like these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders. Not traditional for the holiday, but people devour them, and it keeps the mood light.

Confusion With Mexican Independence Day

This is where lots of us, including past me, get tripped up. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, marking the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain in 1810.

So why the confusion? Probably because both involve patriotism, parades, and Mexican flags, and in the US the May celebration got so big that it started to feel like the main national holiday. If you want to celebrate in a way that feels informed, just remember this simple line: Cinco de Mayo is about the Battle of Puebla, not independence.

When people ask me at my table, I keep it friendly and quick. Then I hand them a tostada and tell them to try it before it cracks in half. Works every time.

If you are building a full week of meals around leftovers, a bright fish dinner can be a nice break from all the rich party food. This baked salmon recipe is one I go back to a lot when I want something easy and solid.

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is most strongly observed in Puebla, where the battle took place. You may see parades, reenactments, and civic ceremonies there. In other parts of Mexico, it is not necessarily a huge nationwide party in the way it is in the United States.

I think that is interesting because it shows how holidays can evolve depending on where people live and what they need from a celebration. In the US, Cinco de Mayo became a big social moment, and honestly, I love any excuse to get friends around a table. I just try to keep it rooted in respect and a tiny bit of learning.

Common Questions

Is Cinco de Mayo a major holiday in all of Mexico?

Not really. It is most significant in Puebla. In many other areas, it is a regular day or just lightly noted.

What is the easiest food to serve for Cinco de Mayo?

Tacos, tostadas, or a build your own bar is the easiest. People can customize, and you are not stuck plating.

How spicy is chicken tinga?

It depends on how many chipotle peppers you add. Start with two, taste, and go from there. You can always add more heat at the table.

Can I make the tinga ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually gets better. Make it the day before, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently with a splash of water if it thickens.

What desserts go well with a Cinco de Mayo dinner?

Anything chocolate or cinnamon is a win. If you want ideas, I love browsing lists like chocolate dessert recipes when I need a quick crowd pleaser.

My final take before you start cooking

Cinco de Mayo can be simple: learn the quick backstory, share a meal, and celebrate with people you like. If you want to read more details later, these links are a good starting point: Cinco de Mayo – Wikipedia and Cinco de Mayo 2026: Facts, Meaning & Celebrations – History.com. Make a batch of chicken tinga tostadas, put out the toppings, and let everyone build their perfect bite. And if your tostada cracks, congratulations, you are doing it right.

Print