Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Cinco de Mayo is a day that celebrates the culture, achievements and experiences of people with a Mexican background. It commemorates the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory over the French on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla.
Funny enough, Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated in Mexico in the same way as it is celebrated in America. The first Cinco de Mayo festival was held in Southern California in 1863 as a show of solidarity by Mexican-Americans against the French. Since then, Cinco de Mayo has become a significant holiday for those with Mexican heritage living throughout the United States.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is not only celebrated in the U.S. but in many Canadian cities as well. Cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver now take part in the festivities with music, dance and an abundance of traditional Mexican dishes. We have curated some fun food and activity ideas to bring the Fiesta to your Cinco de Mayo celebration this year.
Mexican Fiesta Menu
Decorate your dining room with colourful decorations in red, white and green, the colours of the Mexican flag. Delight your residents and serve a traditional Mexican meal with the following delicious menu suggestions from Maple Leaf.
Margarita mocktail or sparkling water with lime
Mexican Roast Beef Wrap, featuring Sure Slice Roast Beef (link to recipe)
Taco Hot Dog, featuring Schneiders Roller Grill Hot Dogs (6” – 10lb) (link to recipe)
Taco Salad, featuring Maple Leaf Mexican Chipotle Crumble (link to product, there is no recipe)
Turkey Quesadilla, featuring Maple Leaf Fully Cooked Diced Turkey (link to recipe)
Chili Lime Steak Fajita, featuring Maple Leaf Fully Cooked Shaved Steak (link to recipe)
Mexican Shepherd’s Pie, featuring Maple Leaf Pulled Beef (link to recipe)
Pulled Pork Chili, featuring Maple Leaf Fully Cooked Pulled Pork (link to recipe) Or Vegetarian Chili, featuring Maple Leaf Lightlife Plant-based Grounds (link to recipe)
Chipotle Sausage served with baked beans and rice, featuring Maple Leaf Field Roast Sausage (link to product, there is no recipe)
Churros or sugar donuts with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping
Cinco de Mayo Fun
Cinco de Mayo is a fun and lively holiday that honours Mexican heritage and culture. It is a holiday that can be celebrated in senior living communities in an enjoyable and engaging way. Here are some great ideas to get your seniors involved.
Peso Toss: Place several sombreros along the floor. Pass out Mexcian pesos or gold coins to your residents. Have them toss their pesos into the rim of the hats. Award different point values for each of the sombreros and provide a fun prize for the participant who accumulates the most points at the end of the game.
Pinatas: Pinatas are a traditional Mexican decoration. Your seniors can work together to either fill a pre-made pinata or even make their own mini-pinatas. Have them fill their pinatas with small treats or trinkets. Ask your seniors to help decorate your home by hanging them throughout your main dining and living areas.
Mariachi Music: This lively and energetic genre is very popular in Mexico. Bring Mexico to your home with a Mariachi band or play Mariachi music throughout your home.
Pass the Sombrero: Play this simple game, where residents pass a sombrero around while Mexican music plays, whoever is holding the sombrero when the music stops is out.
