Cinco de Mayo (which means May 5^th in Spanish) is only two days away and for many American Qmee users it’s a chance to enjoy the Mexican culture, Mexican food and probably a few margaritas! But there are many people who celebrate Cinco de Mayo without knowing what they’re actually celebrating.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not Mexico’s independence day – Mexican independence is celebrated on September 16^th. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5^th, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

Now you know the history of the holiday, it’s time to celebrate! We know many of you will already have your party plans in place but for those of you who don’t, here are a few ideas for things you can do to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (and as always, they aren’t things that will cost you a fortune!) …

Dress up – this doesn’t mean you have go out and buy a brand new outfit for the day! You can wear something that’s already in your wardrobe but just choose something that matches one (or all!) of the colors of the Mexican flag – green, white and red. If you head to a fancy dress shop you’re more than likely to find a sombrero that won’t cost much money!

Play Mexican style music – whether it’s just going to be you and your family at home on May 5^th, or you’re having a big party, playing some Mexican music is the perfect way to help celebrate the day! A live mariachi band would be fabulous but if you’ve got a budget to stick to you can just Google “top billboard songs in Mexico/Spanish” and let the party begin. Why not grab a few sets of cheap maracas from a fancy dress shop too!

Decorate – all you need is a Mexican flag draped over your doorway and the celebrations can begin! Decorate your home in green, white and red to get in the Mexican spirit. Having a piñata to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo is always great fun and you can easily make one at home so you won’t have to go over budget.

Cook some Mexican food – chicken fajitas, black bean burritos, Mexican flan, enchiladas, guacamole; the list goes on and on! Mexican cuisine is great fun to cook and perfect for parties and family gatherings. You’ll find lots of recipes online and nothing will get you more in the Cinco de Mayo spirit than Mexican food!

Make margaritas – all your need for this Mexican drink is some Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and crushed ice. Remember that this drink is for adults only so keep the kids away – you could always create a non-alcoholic version for the children so they don’t feel left out!

You could even organise a Cinco de Mayo parade in your neighbourhood! We’d love to know your plans for Cinco de Mayo, and if you have any tips to sticking to a budget whilst celebrating, so leave a comment below…