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.
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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 Spotify, Amazon, 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.
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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.
- Order here from Happy Seed today and have to-go options from the plant-based Latin eatery ready for pickup Monday at a mano in Old Fourth Ward. Among the offerings are a $20 taco pack, which includes three tacos and two sides along with guacamole, chips and tamales. To-go margaritas are also available.
- Hampton + Hudson is offering Cinco de Mayo specials in the form of the Barbacoa Taco Kit for $50, the H+H Meesh-ilada Kit for $25 and the H+H House Margarita Mix + Maracas Kit for $20. Customers are asked to pre-order by Monday, May 4 at 5 p.m.
- Yumbii Take-Out is offering their tacos, burritos, chips and family-style meals on a pickup and delivery menu. Atlanta residents can also have the Yumbii truck come to their neighborhood.
- At participating locations, On the Border is offering Cinco in a Bag containing 10 ground beef tacos and large queso for $25. Beer, wine or margaritas to-go are also offered.
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