It’s Cinco de Mayo this Saturday, and for many of our American Qmee users it’s a chance to enjoy the Mexican culture, Mexican food and probably a few margaritas – especially as the holiday lands on a Saturday this year! We’re sure many of you know that Cinco de May means ‘5^th of May’ in Spanish, but do you know why the holiday is celebrated?

Some people believe it’s Mexico’s Independence Day – but, it’s not! Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5th, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla (Mexican independence is actually celebrated on September 16^th).

So that’s the history of the holiday – let’s celebrate it! For for those of you who don’t have any plans in place yet, here are a few money saving (of course!) ideas of things you can do to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend…

Create a Mexican meal – there’s lots of Mexican meals you can choose from – chicken fajitas, black bean burritos, Mexican flan, enchiladas, to name a few! Mexican cuisine is great fun to cook and perfect for parties and family gatherings. You’ll find lots of recipes online and the ingredients won’t cost much at all, especially if you spread the cost between everyone eating the meal. Nothing will get you more in the Cinco de Mayo spirit than Mexican food.

Make margaritas – all your need for this traditional 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!

Put on some Mexican music – whether it’s just going to be you and your family at home on May 5th, or you’re having a big party, playing some Mexican music is the perfect way to help celebrate. A live mariachi band would be brilliant but also expensive – so,  stick to your budget by just Googling “top billboard songs in Mexico/Spanish” and let the party begin.

Dress up – this doesn’t mean you have go out and buy a brand new outfit for the day –  wear something that’s already in your wardrobe but just choose something that matches 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 at all to finish your outfit off as well.

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 buy one.

Whatever you decide to do on Saturday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we’re sure you’ll have a great time!