Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Pacifica Senior Living

Happy Cinco de Mayo! On May fifth, Mexican and Hispanic people across the United States celebrate their heritage and culture.

What is the History of Cinco de Mayo?

residentsand staff at pacifica senior living forest trace enjoy a fiesta party While many may think that Cinco de Mayo honors Mexico's independence day, this is actually a myth. The holiday is in fact not celebrated by many people in Mexico, and is tied specifically to a battle between the Puebla people and French troops who occupied parts of the Southern United States at the time. Over the years, the holiday has moved away from centering on the battle itself, and become a general celebration of Mexican and Hispanic culture. It is a way for Americans with Hispanic heritage to highlight their culture and roots, celebrating their background with pride.

How do you Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

To celebrate the traditions and culture of Mexico, as well as Latinx culture from Central and South America, many turn to the colors, sounds, tastes and traditions of their heritage. Decorations are bright and colorful, and include everything from Mexican flags, to bright paper garlands, fiesta banners, and piñatas. Traditional outfits include serapes, Jalisco or escaramuza dresses, and festive sombreros.

Cinco de Mayo is a time for celebration, music - often including Mariachi bands or maracas - dancing, Mexican rodeos, and a wide range of traditional Mexican food. Favorite festive eats include everything from tamales to mole, enchiladas to chalupas, and sweet treats like churros.

At Pacifica Senior Living, we love a good fiesta, and many of our communities are celebrating the holiday with fun games, decorations and snacks. Though Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage, it is a welcoming and inclusive holiday - everyone can join in the celebrations and enjoy all that Hispanic culture has to offer.

Pacifica Senior Living ForestTrace got into the fiesta spirit, with a fun and festive party ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Residents enjoyed delicious Mexican food, beautiful decorations, and fun in the sun. At West Park, residents prepared for the upcoming holiday by making festive themed headbands decorated with beautiful flowers to match the occasion.

a senior woman in sombrero and mustache prop for cinco de mayo Pacifica Senior Living Snohomish also got involved in craft time, and made tissue paper flowers which they hung and decorated their community with to help celebrate this bright and colorful holiday.

Pacifica Senior Living Fort Myers also got in on the fun earlier this week, hosting a taco party to celebrate one of our favorite Mexican foods.

We love to plan events and celebrations where residents and loved ones can get involved and have fun together. Check out our activity calendars and newsletters to see what other fun events we have planned this month. We can’t wait to see you!

Pacifica Senior Living Blog