Cinco de Mayo is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious Mexican food! You could consider hosting a traditional Mexican food tasting at your restaurant, office, or brewery. Treat your guests to classic dishes like tacos, tamales, chilorio, and churros, and provide educational information about the ingredients and cooking techniques involved. If you have customers who can’t attend the event in person, you could offer a virtual cooking class or the option to pick up an ingredient kit.

Fundraising idea: Sell tickets to your event online and in person, with proceeds benefiting a cultural cause or an organisation that supports the community.

If you own a shop, brewery, or business, music is a great way to draw in potential customers! Hire a Mexican band to play traditional Mariachi music, classical Mexican guitar, or modern interpretations. You could even have a Mexican food truck or two on site for customers to enjoy as they come and go. For a truly immersive experience, decorate the event space with Mexican decorations, such as colourful banners, festive paper lanterns, and cacti.

Tip: Even if your event is free, it’s helpful to encourage guests to RSVP in advance. That way, you’ll have a better idea of numbers and can plan more effectively—plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with new customers through your mailing list.

Mexican art is well known for its vivid colours, bold patterns, and meaningful symbolism. You can collaborate with a nearby gallery, art school, or community organisation to arrange an exhibition showcasing the work of local Mexican artists. To make the exhibition more engaging, provide a station where visitors can create their own artwork using traditional Mexican materials.

Fundraising idea: Consider organising an online auction alongside your in-person event, with proceeds benefiting a charity that supports the Mexican community. You could even include artwork created during the event!

Film buffs can get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit at your Mexican movie night. Choose classic films like Y Tu Mamá También or Ahí Está el Detalle, or select more recent releases like Amores Perros, Bardo, Identifying Features, or Roma. Offer snacks such as churro-flavoured popcorn, roasted pepitas, aguas frescas, and micheladas.

Tip: Want to reach more people? Consider livestreaming your movie night and making it accessible to audiences near and far. You could even turn it into a fundraiser by setting up a donation page and offering trivia games or prize draws for those who contribute. With the right mix of creativity and technology, you can host a fun, memorable Mexican film night for everyone!

If you want a more grown-up Cinco de Mayo bash, why not throw a cocktail tasting with Mexican-inspired drinks? You can serve classic drinks like margaritas and Paloma Tricolores and lesser-known options like Matadors and Tepaches. Or, you can go for a tequila or mezcal tasting with various flavours. Encourage your guests to vote for their favourite cocktail and give out prizes for the top pick. Collaborate with other local businesses to create a sip-and-shop event to make it even more exciting!

Tip: Promote your event with custom flyer printing. Add a QR code to your design so passers-by can easily scan for event details or to make a donation.

Mexican artisans are known for their intricate and beautiful crafts, including Otomi embroidery, Talavera pottery, and jewellery. Consider organising a Mexican craft fair featuring local artisans and makers. It’s a great way to support small businesses and explore the cultural significance of traditional crafts.

Fundraising idea: Hold an online raffle to raise funds for a community organisation. You could sell raffle tickets both online and in person.

One idea to promote cultural awareness in the community is to organise a discussion about the historical significance of the Battle of Puebla for Mexican culture. This event could be hosted in collaboration with a local cultural resource, such as a museum or cultural centre, and opened to the public. Invite local schools and community groups to join the conversation and learn more about this important piece of Mexican history.

Tip: To reach a wider audience, consider livestreaming the talk and inviting virtual guests to take part in the Q&A. This allows individuals who are unable to attend in person to still benefit from the discussion and contribute to the conversation.