In a week, my adorable grandson will be celebrating his first birthday. His party has been touted as Fiesta Time, complete with piñatas, spicy music, hot tamales … the whole enchilada.
It’s not because our family lineage is rooted in Mexico. It’s not that his name is Javier or Carlos. It’s not that he looks great in a sombrero. What it is, is that our sweet blue-eyed, tow-headed baby boy, and all his German, Irish and Czech heritage was born on May 5, Cinco de Mayo.
As Mexicans around the world celebrate their ancestry and the anniversary of the Mexican army’s unlikely defeat of the unbeaten French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, many others take the opportunity to appreciate the Mexican culture. In looking for a theme for our Liam’s big day then, Mom and Dad didn’t need to look far.
The recipes have been found, the decorations, fashions and accessories (in colours of the Mexican flag) have been planned, the Tejano, banda and cumbia music is ready on CDs. It will be, as his invitation says, no time for a siesta, because we’re having a fiesta.
If you’ve got plans for some Cinco de Mayo fun, and need clipart to decorate your promotions or invitations, here are some great collections of illustrations and animations: