Workplace Fiesta: Creative Ways to Mark Cinco de Mayo
Commemorating Mexico's 1862 triumph at Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is marked with festivities and zesty Mexican cuisine in both Mexico and the U.S. It also provides a perfect chance for a workplace gathering that gives employees a welcome respite from their daily tasks.
By Drew Ward
A Cinco de Mayo office party is a nice excuse to unwind.
On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, an event commemorated by Cinco de Mayo. This occasion is marked across Mexico and the United States with celebrations featuring spicy Mexican dishes and beverages. For offices, it presents a perfect opportunity to host a enjoyable gathering, giving staff members a welcome pause from their regular work routine.
Menu Planning
For your Cinco de Mayo celebration, arrange a taco station where guests can build their own tacos using shells, various meats, and an assortment of toppings. As starters, consider nachos paired with chili-cheese dip, guacamole, or pico de gallo. For a sweet finish, caramel flan or cinnamon chocolate brownies work well. To drink, virgin margaritas or lime punch are good choices.
Atmosphere and Decor
Hang chili pepper string lights or foil danglers from the ceiling of your venue. Additional decoration options include a Mexican flag, sombreros, or large paper cactus cutouts. If your budget is tight, solid-color decorations in green, white, and red—the colors of the Mexican flag—can suffice.
While mariachi music is traditional for Cinco de Mayo, for an office setting, purchasing a mariachi CD from most party supply stores is likely more practical.
Take-Home Treats
Party favors for Cinco de Mayo might feature maracas, small items with a chili pepper motif like ties or jewelry, flan mix, streamer string, or custom candy bars. These can be assembled into individual goodie bags for each attendee or awarded as prizes during games.
Activities
A pinata is essential for any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Stuff it with favors or candy, then let participants take turns being blindfolded, spun around, and given a chance to break it open with a stick. Other options include a limbo contest, a "Macarena" dance-off, or a Mexican hat dance competition. If your colleagues enjoy spicy foods, set out bowls of hot peppers with different heat levels and organize a pepper-eating challenge, with the winner earning the office nickname "Hot Lips."
