How to Host an Authentic Mexican Fiesta

A piñata is an important part of a Mexican fiesta.

Hosting an authentic Mexican fiesta requires planning. The key to a Mexican fiesta is to keep it casual. Mexican fiestas are filled with bright colors, games, music and delicious food.

Things You'll Need

• Balloons
• Streamers
• Serapes
• Piñata
• Sombreros
• Mexican music
• Chips and salsa
• Tequila
• Taco makings

Instructions

Decorate with a Mexican Theme

1. Use red, white, and green balloons, streamers, paper lanterns and other decorations, as these colors represent the Mexican flag.

2. Hang serapes---colorful shawls often worn by Mexicans---on the walls or drape them on furniture.

3. Place flowers and plants native to Mexican culture---such as poinsettias, dahlias, plumerias and Mexican tarragon---around the area for color. String lights throughout the room for even more color.

4. Incorporate Mexican-themed accessories. Decorate the tables with bright tablecloths and sombreros. Accent one table with a steer skull. Highlight the fiesta room with terra-cotta pottery, pots and bowls.

Entertain Your Guests

1. Play Latin or Mexican-themed music such as salsa. Hire a mariachi band or create a playlist of Latin music on an MP3 player. Provide space for your guests to dance.

2. Prepare tacos, burritos, churros, fried ice cream and other Mexican food. Provide a taco bar with all the ingredients and let your guests create their own tacos. Include Mexican finger foods and appetizers such as chips and a variety of salsas, from mild to hot. Serve refried beans and Spanish rice as side dishes.

3. Serve authentic Mexican drinks such as tequila, Corona beer and margaritas. Provide Aqua Frescos, bottled water, punch and Mexican sodas for people who do not consume alcohol.

4. Fill a piñata full of candy and small prizes and hang it just above eye level in an area with some space. Blindfold your guests, hand them a bat and hang let them whack away.

5. Hold a best-dressed contest to encourage guests to wear traditional Mexican attire.

References

• Mexican theme party ideas
• Host a Mexican fiesta