Mexican fiesta ideas for entertaining, including food, decorations, activities, etc. for a birthday party, teen dance, senior citizen gathering, a reunion or just fun.

A Mexican fiesta is a fun theme for a birthday party or other group gathering any time of the year.

May 5th is the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo, and (according to MEXonline) “commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862… It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually September 16.”

Following are some party suggestions for a fun fiesta.

Mexican Fiesta Decorations

Mexico’s flag is made up of the bright colors green, white and red, which make for a colorful party. Around May 5th and usually over the summer, it is simple to find fiesta decorations and items in these colors.

Of course, a piñata is essential for Mexican theme decor and for a fun activity later in the party. Ideas for filling the piñata can go along with the reason for the fiesta. For instance, for children, candy and toys are appropriate. Teens may like candy, cool pencils and mini notebooks, and maybe a few coins.

Other decor ideas are Mexican sombreros, wool blankets, cactus cutouts, red chili pepper decorations, and balloons.

Fiesta Food Ideas

• For snacking, bowls of chips and salsa can be set out.
• For brave souls, put out varieties of hot peppers. Label them as to the degree of heat and provide plenty of icy drinks.
• Margarita glasses are fun for drinks, whether or not alcohol is served.

Make a Taco / Tostada Bar

For a main dish that will please most everyone, a tostada and taco bar is fun and easy. Simply putting out bowls of the following items allows each person to choose their own tostada toppings or taco fillings.

Ingredients:

• Taco shells, corn tortillas to fry, or flour tortillas for soft tacos
• (If preferred, use white or yellow tortilla chips as a tostada base)

To tortillas, guests can add:

• Cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian bean mix
• Grated cheddar and/or jack cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Shredded lettuce
• Refried beans
• Sliced black olives
• Sliced avocado and/or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• A variety of salsas and hot sauces

For dessert, consider buying or making flan.

Party Activities

The piñata will no doubt be the highlight of the event. Be sure to stuff it full and have bags for guests to carry home their loot.

Another fun idea is to play Mexican music or, for a large event, hire a band. Dancing will keep guests happy and busy. Also:

• How about a "ring the sombrero" or "ring the cactus" game?
• Limbo is fun for the younger folks.

Also see Fun Survivor Theme Birthday Party, Teen Birthday Party Fun Themes, and Fun Teen Birthday Party Themes.

Have a happy fiesta and remember the most important ingredient to any party is fun!