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5 ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo at home

The coronavirus pandemic means finding virtual ways to celebrate the holiday
By Kiersten Willis
May 1, 2020

Cinco de Mayo celebrations will look much different this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. While Americans may look forward to the May 5th holiday each year, it’s not that way in Mexico. Despite being tied to the country, it’s more popular in the United States than it is south of the border.

The holiday is meant to celebrate the victory of the Mexican army over Napoleon III's troops at the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Historians believe the first Cinco de Mayo celebrations — which Time magazine reported were more about "taking a side in a then-ongoing geopolitical conflict" than indulging in food and drinks — were held by Latinos living in California, Nevada and Oregon in the civil war era.

» RELATED: 5 facts about Cinco de Mayo you should know (but probably don't)

With that in mind, you may still wish to celebrate the holiday with food and fun. So here are five ways you can do so virtually at home.

Learn to make margaritas

The tequila-based cocktail is usually linked to Cinco De Mayo celebrations, so why not learn to make your own? Mobile bartending service Sassy Shots is hosting a virtual class to instruct people on how to make specialty margaritas Tuesday. Limited spaces are available for the 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. class so get $15 tickets here.

Crank up the tunes

Make it a party by turning to playlists on SpotifyAmazon, or Apple Music and bust a move at home. Looking to make your own playlist? Billboard has a set of must-have songs to put on your list.

Learn a traditional Mexican dance

With the playlist going, it's a good time to put some traditional moves to the test. Visit YouTube to get an idea of how to perform the Jarabe Tapatío, known as the Mexican Hat Dance in English. Style Caster suggests the Los Voladores de Papantla dance in which participants climb a 30-foot pole.

» RELATED: Deciphering Cinco de Mayo

Run a virtual race

Described as the "first-ever Cinco de Mayo 5K," this Virtual Run Events race allows you to walk, run or jog anywhere you choose. The popularity of the event has led organizers to order more medals, which will be shipped out beginning June 5. Register for $22 and race any time you like in May or June.

Buy a DIY Cinco de Mayo kit from a local restaurant

Just because many metro Atlanta restaurants aren't hosting their usual dine-in operations doesn't mean you can't still have a similar experience. Bring it home by purchasing a do-it-yourself taco and cocktail kits, as What Now Atlanta reported.

About the Author

Kiersten Willis is a native advertising specialist at the AJC.

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