Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Align Center
Preparing for a Fiesta! 




For many revelers, the Fifth of May has come to mean Margaritas and Mexican food, and spring weather. But Cinco de Mayo isn't the celebration of Mexican independence, as many believe, nor is it celebrated throughout Mexico. Festivities are generally confined to the state of Puebla, where, in 1862, Mexican troops defeated an invading French army nearly double their strength. Citizens there still mark the occasion with a military parade honoring the Battle of Puebla, followed by a fiesta filled with music, dancing, and, food.

In the U.S., though, Cinco de Mayo is rapidly becoming a favorite springtime celebration. Whether you blame it on the aggressive advertising of Mexican beer companies or credit Chicano pride and a growing interest in Mexican culture  along with the cuisine..... the fact remains that May 5 is the perfect excuse to entertain.





Méxican Folklórico Dancers



A folk dance is performed in celebration of a special event. The dancers are wearing the region of jalisco dress. Every region represents their own rich cultural heritage through their interpretive dance and costume.


The dresses have an array of vibrant color's.

To become an accomplished dancer it takes years of vigorous training, so
children start practicing at a very young age.

Every female dancer will have (colorful) ribbons braided into her hair or wear a flower headpiece for her performance.


The accompaniment for the perfect fiesta...... is a
Mariachi band!

The food is an integral part of the celebration!
I focused on authentic meals that are as complex and rich as Mexican culture itself. My dishes are not commonly found in a Mexican restaurant, but would be found on every Latinos dinner table. Add drinks and a festive setting, and you've got the makings of a fabulous fiesta.



Nuestra cena mexicana

I found these little maracas and repurposed them into napkin rings.
The tissue flowers are a traditional Mexican decoration.




Main course ...chilaquiles


Made with corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, ground beef, spices and lots of cheese!
Garnish with sour cream and sliced avocado.
We like a little tomato and lettuce with our chilaquiles.


Fideo with frijols refritos


I refer to this dish as... Mexican spaghetti, the pasta is similar to angel hair that's been cut into tiny strands.

The fideo has a tomato sauce base with chicken broth, onions and comino (cumin).
Topped with refried beans, salsa, green onions, cilantro and sour cream.
It is typical to eat with tortillas... for scooping
 (in place of a spoon or fork)



Dessert.....pan dulce

"Conchas" are a lightly sweet bread that has a sugar-shell pattern on top.
An "Empanada" is a turnover with a pumpkin , jam, or cream filling.
"Besos" consists of two round domes with a “kiss” of strawberry jam and coconut,
 (my favorite!!)



No fiesta would be complete without a Piñata!


So I made you a mini version of a "sombrero."
Created from a swatch of chile pepper fabric and gathered crepe paper.


Here are the treasures you'll find inside when you crack it open.

Hot Tamales, chocolate gold coins and confetti.

De mi familia a la suya,
Feliz Cinco De Mayo

17 comments:

Kristina P. said...

These are so pretty, Sara! Can't wait to gorge myself.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness Sarah - that looks wonderful - what time is dinner? Hope you are doing well. sandie

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I almost forgot it was tomorrow...what a wonderful post, Sara!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sara, I loved this post. I feel in love with Mr. Magpie in Mexico many, many years ago on a trip to Mexico City and environs. So Cinco de Mayo is right up my alley. AND my parents honeymooned in Mexico. :-)

You do everything so well, and this food and the table are wonderful.

Thanks so much for your well wishes. I am having a rough day today in terms of ouchies, but I hope it will be a better tomorrow.

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

'fell' in love. Sorry about that typo!

wendy said...

I have not found ONE SINGLE Mexican resturant anywhere near where I live. Ohhhhh, how this food you posted made my taste buds go crazy.
What a cute idea...a maraco (is that right?) for a napkin holder.
Guacamole...now THAT is food for the Gods.

funny story...one Christmas my daughter thought it would be fun to have a pinata...so the only things she could find was a donkey.
Her little girl was so excited about that and after some time waiting, asked CAN WE CRACK THE DONKEY NOW.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sara! Oh, my - how I love me some Mexican food! Everything looks so wonderful!
Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tara said...

Any excuse for a good party?! The costumes are so colorful and pretty. The food looks mighty yummy too!

xinex said...

This is so festive, your photos are faulous, so colorful. The food looks scrumptious, Sara! Hope you had a great Cinco de Mayo....Christine

Rettabug said...

Beautifully done, Sara! So many wonderful items to look at & enjoy & so many YUMMY looking treats, too. Ole'!
I hope you had a Feliz Cinco De Mayo! We did.

fondly,
Rett

Melissa Miller said...

Hello Sara,
This looks truly delish! You created a beautiful and colorful table as well. My mother is Mexican and my father is German. Quite a combo huh? *Smiles*

Thanks for coming by for a kind visit. It's always wonderful to hear from you my friend. You are always welcome.

Warmly, ~Melissa :)

Rosie said...

OK Sara, my taste buds are having a fiesta all on there own....OH MY, that looks delicious!!! What a wonderful tradition. Thanks so very much for stopping by. Have a Marvelous Mothers Day with your SWEET, SWEET family, enJOYing each and every moment of this VERY special day...xo...Rosie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Sara, this colorful post just makes me smile. How cute is that sombrero pinata and how clever of you to make it! Your table looks so festive, and the food looks delicious. It is my bedtime, and you have me wanting to jump up and eat something spicy! Fun post! laurie

Candy said...

Happy Fiesta! Wish I could make the party. But I so glad you came by...so you're the mean sister with the water hose?
I also can't wait to try some of those wonderful chocolate lacy delights. WOW!
Monday Blessings ;-)

Cora said...

Thanks for the history lesson...I did not know this. The food looks so so yummy!! Makes me hungry! Mexican food is always a great treat!

Michelle said...

What an adorable sombrero you made, Sarah!! I just love the colors of Cinco de Mayo. My girlfriends and I had a gardening party then we made tons of mexican food and made Margaritas on that fine day. :)) Hope you are doing well!! I've been a terrible blogger lately. Life keeps getting in my way. ;) Lots of love and hugs!

GardenOfDaisies said...

The costumes are so amazing! I remember seeing the Ballet Folklorico in Mexico City when I was a girl. I love Mexican food, so Cinco de Mayo is a good excuse (not that I need one) for me to have a yummy dinner.