Fiesta Time! The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Mexican Themed Party

Hey there, party planners! If you’re looking to spice up your next gathering, why not throw a vibrant Mexican themed party? From lively decorations to mouth-watering food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your sombrero and let’s get this fiesta started!

What to Do at a Mexican Themed Party:

DIY Piñata Station: Set up a crafting corner where guests can make their own piñatas. Provide colorful tissue paper, glue, and balloons, and watch as everyone gets creative.
Mariachi Karaoke: Create a playlist of classic mariachi tunes and let your guests channel their inner crooners. Bonus points for handing out maracas and sombreros!
Mexican Hat Dance-off: Arrange a friendly competition to see who can master the Mexican Hat Dance. It’s a hilarious and entertaining way to get everyone on their feet.
Of course! Let’s add some more excitement to your Mexican themed party with these additional activities:
Mexican Lotería: Set up a game of Mexican bingo, known as Lotería. Provide cards and markers for guests to play. You can even have small prizes for winners.
Salsa Dance Lessons: Hire a salsa dance instructor or set up a dance floor with a playlist of lively Latin tunes. Encourage everyone to join in and learn some basic salsa moves.
Guacamole Making Contest: Set up a guacamole station with avocados, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. Provide different seasoning options and have a friendly competition to see who can make the best guac.
Mexican Trivia Quiz: Prepare a list of fun and interesting facts about Mexico. Test your guests’ knowledge with a trivia quiz. Offer small prizes for the guests with the most correct answers.
Mexican-themed Photo Booth: Create a photo booth area with props like sombreros, maracas, and mustaches on sticks. Provide a backdrop with Mexican-inspired colors and patterns for memorable snapshots.
Pin the Tail on the Donkey: A classic party game that’s always a hit. Blindfold guests and challenge them to pin the tail on a donkey poster.
Mexican Movie Screening: Set up an outdoor movie area or create a cozy indoor space. Choose a popular Mexican film or a classic like “Coco” for a cinematic touch.
Piñata Smash: Fill a traditional piñata with candies, small toys, and party favors. Let each guest take a turn trying to break it open. Don’t forget the blindfold and a trusty piñata stick!
Mexican Craft Corner: Provide supplies for Mexican-themed crafts like making papel picado, beaded jewelry, or painting small terra cotta pots. It’s a great way to keep guests engaged and take home a handmade keepsake.
Mexican Hat Decorating: Set up a station with plain straw hats, fabric scraps, ribbons, and embellishments. Let guests get creative by decorating their own Mexican-inspired hats.
These additional activities will add a delightful touch to your Mexican themed party and ensure that your guests have a blast! ¡Viva la fiesta!

Mexican Party Food Ideas:

Build-Your-Own Taco Bar: Lay out all the fixings – seasoned meats, salsas, guacamole, and plenty of fresh toppings. Let your guests customize their own tacos to perfection.
Churro Station: Fry up some golden churros and provide an array of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon sugar. It’s a sweet treat that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Margarita Madness: Set up a margarita bar with various flavors and rim options. Don’t forget mocktail versions for the non-drinkers and kiddos!
Queso Fundido: This gooey, melted cheese dish mixed with chorizo or mushrooms is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a flavorful and iconic Mexican street food.
Tamales: These delicious steamed pockets of masa dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables are a true Mexican delicacy. Serve with salsa and guacamole.
Enchilada Casserole: Layers of corn tortillas, seasoned meat (or beans for a vegetarian option), cheese, and enchilada sauce baked to perfection.
Ceviche: Fresh seafood (like shrimp or white fish) marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips or tostadas.
Chiles Rellenos: Roasted and peeled poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or a meat filling, then battered and fried until golden.
Sopes: Thick, fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans, shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, salsa, and your choice of protein.
Mexican Fruit Salad: Combine a mix of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon, and jicama. Squeeze lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chili powder for a tangy kick.
Mole Chicken Wings: Give classic chicken wings a Mexican twist by tossing them in a rich, flavorful mole sauce.
Flan: A creamy caramel custard dessert that’s a sweet finish to any Mexican meal.
Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two mini churros for an indulgent dessert.
Sangria: While not traditionally Mexican, a pitcher of fruity sangria with red wine, citrus fruits, and a splash of brandy can be a refreshing addition to your fiesta.

Remember to label any dishes containing potential allergens and offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives for guests with dietary restrictions. These delectable Mexican dishes are sure to be a hit at your party, and will transport your guests to the vibrant streets of Mexico!

Mexican Party Decorations:

Colorful Papel Picado Banners: Hang these intricate paper banners across your party space for an instant burst of color and festive flair.
Cactus Centerpieces: Decorate your tables with potted cacti wrapped in vibrant fabric. They’re low-maintenance and add an authentic touch to your decor.
Fiesta Lights: String up fairy lights around your outdoor area or indoors for a warm, inviting glow. They’ll set the perfect ambiance for your Mexican fiesta.
Maracas and Sombreros: Scatter colorful maracas and festive sombreros around the party area. They serve as both decorations and fun props for guests to use during the festivities.
Papel Picado Table Runners: Use papel picado banners as table runners to add a touch of Mexican artistry to your dining area.
Fiesta Tableware: Opt for vibrant, Mexican-inspired tableware with patterns and colors that reflect the lively spirit of Mexico.
Mini Piñatas: Hang small piñatas as decorations or use them as place settings for each guest. They can double as party favors too!
Sarape Tablecloths: Use authentic Mexican sarape blankets as tablecloths or as drapery for your party area. They add a pop of color and cultural authenticity.
Cactus Centerpieces: Arrange small potted cacti as centerpieces for your tables. Add some decorative stones or colorful tissue paper to complete the look.
Serpentine Streamers: Hang serpentine streamers in bright Mexican colors like red, green, and white to create a festive and dynamic backdrop.
Mexican Paper Flowers: Create or purchase paper flowers in bold colors and arrange them as table centerpieces or hang them around the party space.
Mexican Folk Art Decor: Incorporate Mexican folk art pieces like clay figurines, painted pottery, or wooden carvings as decor accents.
Luminarias or Farolitos: Use paper lanterns or luminarias to create a warm, inviting ambiance. They’re perfect for outdoor spaces or to add a touch of Mexico to your indoor setting.
Mexican Blanket Pillow Covers: If you have throw pillows, consider covering them with Mexican blanket-inspired fabric for a cozy and authentic touch.
Candlelit Ambiance: Use candles in colorful holders, or opt for Mexican-inspired candles like Day of the Dead or sugar skull designs.

Remember, the key to a successful Mexican themed party is to embrace the vibrant colors and lively spirit of Mexican culture. These additional decorations will help transform your space into a festive and authentic fiesta atmosphere!

What to Wear to a Mexican Themed Party:

Embroidered Blouses and Dresses: Ladies, opt for colorful embroidered tops or flowy dresses that capture the essence of Mexican fashion.
Sombreros and Serapes: Don’t be shy to rock a classic sombrero or drape yourself in a vibrant serape. They’re not just accessories; they’re part of the fun!
Huaraches or Sandals: Keep it comfy with a pair of huaraches or stylish sandals. They’ll allow you to dance the night away in true fiesta fashion.
Embroidered Blouses and Dresses: Opt for tops or dresses with intricate Mexican-style embroidery. They add a touch of authenticity and elegance to your outfit.
Mexican-inspired Accessories: Accessorize with items like statement earrings, beaded necklaces, or bracelets in vibrant colors and patterns.
Rebozos or Shawls: Drape a colorful rebozo (traditional Mexican shawl) over your shoulders for an elegant and traditional look.
Mexican Peasant Blouse: A classic peasant blouse with billowy sleeves and embroidery is a versatile and comfortable option for a Mexican-themed party.
Guayabera Shirt: For men, a crisp, short-sleeved guayabera shirt with pleats and embroidery is a stylish and culturally-appropriate choice.
Huaraches or Espadrilles: Complete your outfit with a pair of comfortable huaraches (woven leather sandals) or espadrilles. They add an authentic touch to your attire.
Colorful Sarape Scarves: Wrap a sarape-inspired scarf around your neck or waist for a pop of color and pattern.
Day of the Dead Makeup and Accessories: Embrace the Dia de los Muertos theme with elaborate skull makeup, flower crowns, and sugar skull accessories.
Lucha Libre Masks: For a fun and quirky touch, consider wearing a lucha libre mask. They come in a variety of colors and designs.
Charro Outfit: For a more formal affair, men can opt for a charro outfit with ornate embroidery, while women can wear a colorful, full-skirted dress.
Sombrero and Poncho: Go all out with a classic sombrero and a poncho for an iconic Mexican look.
Floral Headpieces: Create a stunning look by adorning your hair with fresh or silk flowers, a nod to the vibrant floral traditions in Mexican culture.

What Music To Play At A Mexican Themed Party

Music is an essential element of any Mexican-themed party. It sets the mood and gets everyone in the festive spirit. Here’s a playlist of some of the best Mexican party music to keep your guests dancing all night:

“Cielito Lindo” – A classic Mexican folk song that’s sure to get everyone singing along.
“La Bamba” – The iconic Ritchie Valens hit with its infectious rhythm is a must-have for any Mexican party.
“Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” – While originally a Spanish song, the Macarena’s catchy beat and dance moves make it a popular choice for Mexican-themed parties.
“El Sonidito” – This upbeat tune by Hechizeros Band is sure to get the energy levels soaring on the dance floor.
“La Negra Tomasa” – A lively cumbia song that’s perfect for getting everyone up and moving.
“Como La Flor” – A beloved hit by Selena, this song is a tribute to the queen of Tejano music.
“Tequila” – This instrumental classic by The Champs is an absolute must for a Mexican-themed party.
“Cumbia sobre el Río” – This infectious cumbia track by Celso Piña will have everyone grooving.
“Bailando” – Enrique Iglesias’ Latin-pop hit is perfect for keeping the party vibes going strong.
“Suavemente” – Elvis Crespo’s merengue hit is a high-energy track that’ll keep the dance floor packed.
“Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” – Another Selena classic, this song is sure to be a hit with fans of the Queen of Tejano.
“Vivir Mi Vida” – Marc Anthony’s salsa hit is an uplifting anthem that’s guaranteed to bring everyone together.

Remember to mix in some traditional Mexican mariachi songs for an authentic touch. Don’t be afraid to include some of your personal favorites as well. The key is to keep the energy high and the music diverse to cater to all tastes. ¡Viva la música!

Mexican Fiesta Party Ideas Final Note

Hosting a Mexican themed party is a surefire way to add some sizzle to your social calendar. From interactive DIY activities to delectable eats and lively decorations, your guests are in for a memorable fiesta. So, gather your amigos and get ready for a celebration that’ll have everyone saying, “¡Olé!”

About Author

Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mom of three. She started Darling Celebrations back in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating the special events in life.