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! Elements For A Cinco de Mayo Bueno in Boston !

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There were no upside down exclamation points for me to use throughout my guide, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before every computer keyboard is outfitted with one. Until then, we have Cinco de Mayo to help us get our Spanish fix. Here's how to celebrate, whether you're going out or having your own shin-dig.

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It’s Cinco de Mayo and these lovely ladies are obviously ready to PAR-TY!

! Get Out And Celebrate !

The sheer volume of people out and ready to party on Cinco de Mayo is enough to make it a fun night.  And there’s no better place to celebrate than at a restaurant/bar that serves up tasty Mexican grub.

Keep in mind that you’re not the only genius who has come up with this way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Bars and restaurants will be packed, so plan accordingly and be patient.

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The bar at Ole.

Ole Mexican Grill

11 Springfield Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

This consistent award-winner not only boasts a fabulous menu of authentic (yet pricey) Mexican food, but an intimate and colorful interior. But don’t think this place is too highbrow for Cinco de Mayo – they pack them in and make a huge party of it.

This consistent award-winner not only boasts a fabulous menu of authentic (yet pricey) Mexican food, but an intimate and colorful interior. But don’t think this place is too highbrow for Cinco de Mayo – they pack them in and make a huge party of it.

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Border Cafe. Or, as I like to call it, “margarita heaven”.

Border Cafe

32 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

It’s loud and crowded on a normal night, so multiply that times 7 on Cinco de Mayo – perfect if you’re looking for a crazy night out. Totally casual and fun, but with consistently great food and margaritas, you won’t go wrong here. The Harvard Square location is convenient to the T, and will put you smack in the midst of tons of other partiers.

It’s loud and crowded on a normal night, so multiply that times 7 on Cinco de Mayo – perfect if you’re looking for a crazy night out. Totally casual and fun, but with consistently great food and margaritas, you won’t go wrong here. The Harvard Square location is convenient to the T, and will put you smack in the midst of tons of other partiers.

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Fajita Chicken Con Queso at On the Border.

On the Border Mexican Grill

19 Commerce Way A, Woburn, MA 01801

Oh, yes I did! There’s no way you can ignore the draw of this popular chain on Cinco de Mayo. And since this year it falls on a Monday, it’s a great option if you can only squeeze in a few drinks right after work. They serve your standard chain food, but the chips, salsa, and guac are addictive.

Oh, yes I did! There’s no way you can ignore the draw of this popular chain on Cinco de Mayo. And since this year it falls on a Monday, it’s a great option if you can only squeeze in a few drinks right after work. They serve your standard chain food, but the chips, salsa, and guac are addictive.

http://www.ontheborder.com

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This year’s celebration at the Beehive.

The Beehive

541 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

This might be the coolest non-Mexican spot to celebrate 5 de May. Two words: Mariachi band. So eat somewhere (anywhere) else first, and go here for drinks and cha cha the night away in your most ruffle-y dress and hottest heels.

This might be the coolest non-Mexican spot to celebrate 5 de May. Two words: Mariachi band. So eat somewhere (anywhere) else first, and go here for drinks and cha cha the night away in your most ruffle-y dress and hottest heels.

! Have Your Own Party !

If you don’t feel like dealing with the drunken crowds, I’m totally on your side.  People love a good house party, and Cinco de Mayo is the perfect random holiday to throw one.  Make your place fun and festive and leave people begging for you to have one again next year.

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Nothing screams “Cinco de Mayo” like inflatable objects.

The growing popularity of Cinco de Mayo has spawned a huge variety of fun favors and decorations.  Don’t be afraid to embrace it and go full-out kitsch for your party.  Excess is best for this type of celebration, so don’t skimp.

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Long strands of fun lighting will set a cool atmosphere.

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Because all people will care about is drinking, make your life easy by just setting out appetizers. Things like tortilla chips and salsa, cheese, and dishes of salty peanuts. And most grocery stores now carry pre-made guacamole in the prepared foods or packaged cheese section.

15-minute Mexican dishes

Able to muster up a tiny bit of ambition? Check out these recipes out for some quick things to whip up for your guests.

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Drape 100 fun feet of this Mexican banner wherever you can.

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There’s nothing better than watching drunk guests in a small, confined area wield a bat and try to break open a pinata!

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Music will be a huge part of setting the vibe for your evening. Though not authentically Mexican, the Gipsy Kings are a fabulous band that sing in Spanish and will get everyone moving.

GipsyKings.com

 

! Drink Appropriately !

The only easier holiday to drink on is St. Patrick’s Day.  But the Mexicans make it easy for us to figure it out on Cinco de Mayo.  Two words: Corona and tequila.

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Five of these equals one Sam Adams.

Corona.com

Corona beer essentially tastes like water.  But served ice cold, with a wedge of lime, it’s a refreshing swig after indulging in cheesy, spicy fare.  Throw a ton of bottles in a huge tub of ice and you’ve got the basis for your Cinco de Mayo bash.

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Now this? Is some good tequila. Cabo Wabo is made by none other than Sammy Hagar.

Cabowabo.com

Most people, like myself, typically only drink tequila when it’s been disguised as a margarita.  But recently I was forced to drink a glass of very, very expensive tequila straight up on the rocks.  Now, I love it.

Higher-end tequila makes all the difference; but if you plan on making a ton of margaritas, you may not want to invest in the good stuff.  Simply get a middle-of the road brand like Jose Cuervo which can serve as both the margarita base but still be bearable for shots.   

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This margarita maker from Target is the perfect way to make a quick batch of goodness for your guests. Or, just for yourself. If it’s “that” kind of night.

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Whenever large quanties of alcohol are served, plastic drinkware is a must, like this margarita glass from Oriental Trading Company.

Killer margarita recipes

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Even non-shot drinkers will guzzle the Tequila from these cute plastic cactus shot glasses from Oriental Trading Company.

! Dress The Part !

Cinco de Mayo is the day to cut loose.  Think of a Jimmy Buffet concert, but with better music.  (Oh!)  Be colorful, loud, and happy with your dress and your night should follow suit.

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Normally, the appearence of a sombrero and maracas is a sign that the night is over for a certain trashed partygoer. But on Cinco de Mayo, it’s just a part of the uniform.

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A traditional Mexican blanket can be turned into a poncho for an authentic look. And, judging from how much fun this model is having, your evening should be a blast while wearing it.

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Ladies – if you’re not into stereotypical, costume-y getups, go with a pretty ruffled dress in a bright color, like this one from J.Crew. Top it off with a pair of heels and you’re done.

! Where To Get The Goods !

A little bit of Mexico in Boston

Oriental Trading Company

One-stop shopping at its best: OTC carries tons of favors and decor for your Cinco de Mayo party needs.

Iparty

Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford, MA 02155

Gather up tons of brightly-colored napkins, paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils here.

Gather up tons of brightly-colored napkins, paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils here.

Target Stores

180 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

Go here to grab that fantastic margarita maker. And, if you plan on having another party next year, you might want to invest in some plastic dinnerware and accessories – so check out Target’s great selection while you’re there.

Go here to grab that fantastic margarita maker. And, if you plan on having another party next year, you might want to invest in some plastic dinnerware and accessories – so check out Target’s great selection while you’re there.

Kappys Fine Wine & Spirits

216 Border Street, Boston, MA 02128

Hit up Kappy’s to stock up on your Corona, Tequila, and other drink-related needs for your big bash. Don’t forget the limes!

Hit up Kappy’s to stock up on your Corona, Tequila, and other drink-related needs for your big bash. Don’t forget the limes!

J Crew

100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Senoritas, visit J.Crew for a cute selection of pretty party dresses for the big night.

Senoritas, visit J.Crew for a cute selection of pretty party dresses for the big night.

! Arriba !

Susie's Cinco de Mayo guide

OK, so during the time it took me to put together this guide, Miss Susie put together a pretty fantastic one herself. Go check it out!

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