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Mexican fiesta parties are part of the country's long history of fiestas. They celebrate such events as Aniversario de la Constitución (the anniversary of the Constitution), Natalicio de Benito Juárez (President Benito Juarez's birthday), Aniversario de la Revolución (the Mexican Revolution of 1910) and many other significant events in Mexico's history. People of all descents in Mexico and the United States throw Mexican fiesta parties.
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Mexican culture is an important influence in American society. Whether commemorating a holiday, celebrating a rite of passage such as Quince Ano (a girl's 15th birthday) or simply a summer bash, Mexican fiesta parties are festive ways to experience that culture. For natives of Mexico, Mexican fiesta parties bring a sense of home and culture to a day or evening of great food and music with friends and family.
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There is no limit to the reasons for throwing a Mexican fiesta. A backyard barbecue can be a perfect excuse to do it up, fiesta-style. Any birthday--but especially important birthdays, such as 13 for a young man or 15 for a girl--often warrant all the trimmings of a Mexican fiesta party. Families and friends celebrate family reunions, baptisms, weddings and holidays (Mexican or American) with fiestas. Cities that are closer to the Mexican border often recognize Cinco de Mayo with parades and outdoor fiestas for the whole town. If it is an event to celebrate, a fiesta makes it all the more special and memorable.
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Mexican fiestas are characterized by brightly colored decorations, and endless buffets of Mexican and Mexican-American foods. Often, mariachis play until the late hours under multi-colored lanterns. Tables are decorated with tablecloths and lanterns in traditional bright Mexican colors. People eat, drink and dance. A fiesta menu might include freshly made salsa with warm tortilla strips and guacamole. Margaritas and beer will flow. Great steaming trays of tamales and enchiladas, perhaps some menudo and Mexican candy (pralines) will satisfy hungry guests.
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One of the most valuable aspects of celebrating Mexican fiestas in the United States is to experience how these two cultures--one singular, the other a blend of cultures from the beginning--have harmonized in so many ways. Other than strictly religious observances, perhaps there is no greater symbol of what Mexico and America have brought to one another. Often called the great "melting pot," the United States has not eradicated the flavor of Mexican fiestas. Rather, America has embraced a dynamic aspect of the Mexican people who call America home, and the society is more vibrant for it.
