Every 5th of May, people of Mexican heritage around the world celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This holiday commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire in 1862. For the rest of us, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the many positive and wonderful aspects of Mexican culture.
Whether you’re a small business owner, an individual, or an event planner, there’s tons of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We’ve put together six Cinco de Mayo event ideas below that are sure to bring joy, education, and cultural appreciation to your community. Many of them can also have a hybrid and fundraising element, so we’ve included tips for those, as well.
Six Cinco De Mayo event ideas
A Traditional Mexican Food Tasting + Virtual Cooking Class
There’s no better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with food! Consider hosting a traditional Mexican food tasting at your restaurant, office, or brewery. Serve up classic dishes like tacos, tamales, chilorio, and churros, and offer educational information about the ingredients and preparation techniques involved. For those that can’t make it in person, livestream a cooking class or sell goodie bags filled with Mexican treats.
A Mexican Music Concert
If you own a shop, brewery, or business, music is a great way to draw in potential customers! Hire a Mexican band to play traditional Mariachi music, classical Mexican guitar, or modern interpretations. You could even have a Mexican food truck or two onsite for customers to enjoy on their way in and out! For a truly immersive experience, you can decorate the event space with Mexican decorations, like colorful banners, festive paper lanterns, and cacti.
Plan a Mexican Art Exhibition
Mexican art is renowned for its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and powerful symbolism. Partner with a local gallery, art school, or community group to organize an exhibition featuring works by local Mexican artists. You could also organize a hybrid auction (combining online and in-person), with proceeds benefitting a charity that works with the Mexican community. Add an interactive component by providing a station where people can create their own art pieces using traditional Mexican materials.
Host a Mexican Movie Fest
Film buffs can get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit by hosting a Mexican movie night. Choose classic films like “Y Tu Mamá También,” or “Ahí Esta el Detalle,” or select more recent releases like “Amores Perros,” “Bardo,” “Identifying Features” or “Roma.” Offer snacks such as churro-flavored popcorn, roasted pepitas, aguas frescas, and micheladas. Make your films and foods available to people far and wide by livestreaming the movies. If you want to take it a step further, you could give viewers a chance to interact with the films by hosting a virtual trivia game. Offer prizes sponsored by local businesses or by your own boutique. With the right mix of creativity and technology, you can host a fun, memorable Mexican movie night for everyone!
Offer a Mexican Cocktail Tasting
If you’re looking for a more adult-oriented Cinco de Mayo event, a cocktail tasting featuring Mexican-inspired drinks is the way to go. Offer classic cocktails like margaritas and Paloma Tricolores, as well as lesser-known options like Matadors and Tepaches. Alternately, you can present a flight of tequila or mezcal tastings. Encourage attendees to vote for their favorite cocktail, and offer prizes for the top picks. Partner with other local businesses to create a sip and shop event!
Organize a Mexican Craft Fair
Mexican artisans are known for their intricate and beautiful crafts, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Consider organizing a Mexican craft fair featuring local artisans and makers. It’s a great way to support small businesses and learn about the cultural significance of traditional crafts.
Host a Mexican History Talk
Connect with a local cultural resource to host a discussion of the historical significance of the Battle of Puebla for Mexican culture. Invite local schools and community groups to join the discussion! Consider livestreaming the talk and inviting virtual guests to participate in the Q&A.
Incorporating any of the above into your event marketing efforts will result in greater brand awareness and more event attendees! Consider what your target audience likes and how you think it would respond to different types of content. Then, try different things until you find one that works!
One last event planning tip
If you aren’t already using an event platform, consider it! Using one makes it easy to promote and manage the aspects of the above in-person and hybrid event ideas. Using a platform like Eventgroove, you can also order custom printed posters, postcards, and event tickets that match your brand and event theme. Plus, if you end up adding a raffle or crowdfunding page, an event and fundraising platform makes the process seamless.
Learn more about event platforms in our article How to Sell Tickets Online For Your Event.
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