How to Throw a Mexican Fiesta

Bring the colors and flavors of Mexico to your next party.

If you're looking for a fun, lively and colorful option for a theme party, host a Mexican fiesta. The Spanish word "fiesta" literally means feast or party, and this theme will help get your guests in the mood for fun. A fiesta is a popular option for those on a budget, because the materials needed are inexpensive and easy to find.

Things You'll Need

• Location
• Mexican food
• Tequila
• Margarita mix
• Mexican beer
• Fruit
• Sugar
• Water
• Pinata filled with candy and favors
• Broomstick
• Mexican decorations
• Ranchera and mariachi music CDs

Instructions

1. Choose a location for your fiesta. If the weather permits, try to choose an outdoor spot for the party.

2. Plan the food menu. Popular Mexican foods include tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, flautas and chimichangas, and Mexican cooking uses flavorful sauces such as mole and salsa. Choose dishes that you can make in large quantities for your guests to share.

3. Decide on a beverage list. Tequila is the traditional Mexican spirit, and you can make margaritas in large pitchers to serve to your guests. You should also have Mexican beer on hand and non-alcoholic drinks such as aguas frescas, which are made with fruit, water and sugar.

4. Buy a pinata. Pinatas are papier mache figures that are filled with candy and other party favors and hung from a tree. Your guests can hit the pinata with a broomstick while blindfolded to release the treasures inside.

5. Decorate your fiesta space. Hang festive Mexican sombreros and crepe paper streamers in red, warm yellow and green colors, and use colorful tablecloths, paper plates and cups. Finally, play some Mexican music such as ranchera and mariachi at the fiesta to complete the mood.

References

• About Mexico, Your Travel Guide: Mexican Drinks
• About Mexico, Your Travel Guide: Mexican Cuisine

Resources

• eHow: Traditional Mexican Fiesta Foods
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Make it Yourself Pinata - Fish