Cinco de Mayo {Party Inspiration}

I have some Cinco de Mayo party inspirations to share with you (along with some FREE party printables). But first...a little background on the holiday. 

For many of us, Cinco de Mayo is great excuse to eat delicious Mexican food and drink Margaritas (as if we really need an excuse anyway)! But I think it's also a great opportunity to learn a little history (mostly because I'm an information junkie who really loves facts & trivia).

Some interesting facts...

• Cinco de Mayo is NOT (as many people believe) Mexican Independence Day (which is September 16th)
• Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at The Battle of Puebla in 1862
• Outside of Puebla, the holiday is not widely celebrated in Mexico
• In the U.S., the holiday began in 1967 when a group of California State University students decided to hold the first Cinco de Mayo commemoration in the United States as a way to celebrate their Mexican-American heritage.
• It wasn't until the 1980s when marketing companies (largely beer companies) began capitalizing on the holiday, that it gained the popularity we see across the U.S. today
• The largest Cinco de Mayo event in the world is held in Los Angeles, California, where more than 600,000 people celebrate with music and food.

Ok...mini-history lesson is over. Now for some fun party stuff!

The TomKat Studio is offering some festive & *free* printable invitations and party circles. I just love this color combination!

Catch my Party is featuring a great *free* printable party package that includes a 5×7 invitation, party circles, drink flags, water/beer bottle labels, and a “Cinco de Mayo” banner. How awesome is that?

Cakes Likes a Party is offering this *free* and festive printable party banner...

I just LOVE LOVE this beautiful Cinco de Mayo Birthday party table designed and styled by Bird's Party!

Be sure to check out Bird's blog for more beautiful pictures of this fun party! And you just might see that gorgeous color combination of hot pink, orange, and lime showing up on a cake in the very near future...hint...hint!

This Fiesta party was featured on Hostess {with the mostess}. It was a 40th birthday celebration, but the decorations are gorgeous and perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration as well. And just reading about the delicious food that was served makes me hungry for some Mexican!

For many Mexican-inspired recipes including drinks, appetizers, desserts & more, check out The Food Network's Cinco de Mayo page. So many delicious sounding and hunger inducing recipes like this one for Bobby Flay's Red Chile Short Rib Tacos. Um...yes please!

Epicurious is also a great source for authentic Mexican recipes and tips for hosting a Cinco de Mayo party. How beautiful does this table of  deliciousness look? Chef Miguel Ravago shares some of these recipes for an authentic Mexican fiesta!

Of course as I mentioned before...for many of us (ME), a Cinco de Mayo celebration wouldn't be complete without a Margarita (or two). Hostess {with the mostess} features recipes for 10 unique Margaritas. Like this Prickly Pear one from My Sweet & Saucy that is almost too pretty to drink (I said almost)!

I hope you enjoy your Cinco de Mayo celebration with great friends, great food, great drinks and lots of love for Mexican and Mexican-American culture!