cinco de mayo

Some people express confusion over Americans celebrating Cinco de Mayo, when it's not even that big of a deal in Mexico. We express confusion over people turning down an excuse to eat tacos and sip tequila until the sun comes up/you've gone cross-eyed. Not to mention, did you see that photo? That is a capybara wearing a fake mustache. We rest our case.

Today is Cinco de Mayo. Time for some serious celebrations – Fiesta Style! So whether you’re heading over to No Mas! Cantina, Las Margaritas or even Ortega night at your friend’s place, here are five items you cannot go without.

No celebration of Cinco de Mayo is complete without a piñata. After all, what's more entertaining than blindfolded partygoers attacking a sweets-filled papier-mâché figure with a bat? In the gallery above, check out some of the craziest piñatas from craft site Etsy...

Though many argue about who actually invented the margarita, the drink first appeared on Mexican bar menus in  the '30s and '40s. Prepare for your own Cinco de Mayo party by making a batch of the tasty libation: we've concocted a list of the best margarita recipes to help you out.

You don't have to be of Mexican heritage to partake in Cinco de Mayo festivities, or even to throw your own bash. Here are five tips for planning the best Cinco de Mayo party this side of the border:

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. Most folks pull out the guacamole and celebrate with friends over margarita specials at their local cantina, but beyond the revelry of the fiesta, here's a few things you might not know about the fifth of May holiday: