app icon
Kitchen Stories App
45k+ reviews
Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating and eating the best ways

Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating and eating the best ways

Catch up on Cinco de Mayo traditions before you go out

In app
Emre Kesici

Emre Kesici

Food Editor at Kitchen Stories

Cinco de Mayo is long awaited by party people and foodies who enjoy colorful menus alike. The celebration of Cinco de Mayo goes all the way back to 1862, May 5th - to the victory of Mexico over the French. Today this resilience story is celebrated through vibrant colors, music, Margaritas, and plenty of food. 

What to eat during Cinco de Mayo

The main purpose of the day is to celebrate Mexican heritage and history, and eating one’s way through the culture is just another way of celebrating. It goes without saying that tacos (especially these juicy pulled chicken tacos) are the official dish for any Cinco de Mayo celebration. It is also safe to say nachos, and tortilla chips of any kind will also be plenty wherever you go celebrating. 

The focus of the food, aside from the classic dishes, can change based on your own celebration. Staying true to Mexican traditions comes not only from one or two dishes, but the specific spice combinations, ingredients, and combinations of flavors that celebrate the culture. The best practice comes from using a lot of smoked paprika, chili, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon powders in dishes where it makes sense. 

New recipes to try this Cinco de Mayo can be a spicy Mexican ceviche, a Mexican street-style corn pasta salad, or even easy mushroom quesadillas

For Cinco de Mayo drinks, in addition to the classic Margarita, give a try for Michelada, a spicy Mexican beer cocktail. 

And of course, celebrate the best you can for the Mexican victory and resilience this Cinco de Mayo! 

Published on May 5, 2025

More delicious ideas for you

or
To comment and share your experience, please sign up!