75+ Cinco de Mayo Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What food is rarely eaten in Mexico on Cinco de Mayo? ›

But, just like you won't find corned beef and green beer in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day, you won't find ground beef tacos, nachos and frozen margaritas in Mexico on Cinco de Mayo.

Aside from consuming the best Mexican liquor and tacos on that special day, avocados take a spot together with a margarita and other mouth-watering Mexican dishes!

While it's a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, the annual fiesta is an excuse in the United States to indulge in margaritas, cervezas (beer), guacamole and tacos.

Typical festivities include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions and baile folklórico, or folkloric ballet, with whirling dancers wearing shiny ribbons and braids and bright, ruffled dresses.

Enchiladas are a favorite Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo, and since they're not hard to make, you can easily bake them for a weeknight dinner. Because enchiladas are so versatile, they're also easy vegetarian Cinco de Mayo food ideas. They can be stuffed with anything from shredded beef to black beans and potatoes.

But Cinco de Mayo isn't actually about burritos and beer, and while it's celebrated in Mexico, it is not as deeply ingrained in the national culture as it is in the United States. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where the historic Battle of Puebla took place.

Why is Cinco de Mayo not celebrated in Mexico? While some in Mexico do recognize Cinco de Mayo, others don't think of it as a day of significant importance. It isn't a historical date, as Mexico celebrates gaining independence from the Spanish Empire on September 16.

According to the California Avocado Commission, some 81 million pounds of avocados are consumed in the U.S. during Cinco de Mayo, the annual celebration of Mexican American culture that falls on May 5.

Mexican street food, called antojitos (literally "little cravings"), is prepared by street vendors and at small traditional markets in Mexico.

What do Americans consume 81 million pounds of these in Cinco de Mayo? ›

It's estimated the US consumes 81 million pounds of avocados every May 5th, making Cinco de Mayo second only to the Super Bowl in terms of the fruit's single-day popularity (and yes, they are indeed fruits).

Don't put on those stereotypes – fake mustache and sombreros, and then post them on your socials. Trust me, you're going to regret it.

Bright colors and vibrant prints are ways to show enthusiasm, but if you don't know where to start, Pedrero recommends sticking to the red, green, or white—the colorways found on the Mexican flag.

Cinco de Mayo Food Traditions For Your Party

There's something for everyone: Green Pozole with Chicken, Horchata, Guacamole, Cemita Poblana, Huevos Rancheros, Mexican Barbacoa, Enchiladas Verdes, Tostadas, Chile Verde Tamales, Fish Tacos, Flautas and more fantastic dishes.

Traditional Food and Drinks: Cinco de Mayo celebrations often include traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and guacamole, as well as festive drinks like margaritas and Mexican beer.

To host a Cinco de Mayo party, you just need a few elements. Plan a menu that includes traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, guacamole, and flan. For alcoholic beverages, prepare tequila-based drinks. For an alcohol-free option, go for horchata, hot chocolate or agua fresca.

Celebrated annually on May 5, Cinco de Mayo recognizes Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire led by Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The holiday has since become perhaps more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico and is often celebrated by people of Mexican American heritage.