Whether or not 2018 has been good to you, it’s coming to an end, and it’s time to celebrate. That means turning up the queso as much as all the other attendees at your New Year’s Bash.

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May 5th may be a Monday, but that doesn't have to stop you from celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style this year!  

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

Flickr - --Mark--

The History of Cinco de Mayo

The mistake most people make regarding Cinco de Mayo is to think that it is a celebration for Mexico's independence. In fact, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory (over the French) of the Battle of Puebla which happened on - you guessed it - May 5 in 1862. Crazy to think we're still celebrating a battle won over 150 years ago! Flickr - San Diego City College So, why do we still celebrate it? That fact remains to be seen because, in most of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo celebrations aren't typical. Here in America (especially California) we don't need a good reason for a party though, so celebrate on!

Throw A Traditional Party

Decorations

Like this colorful street in Mexico, a great way to get your Cinco de Mayo celebration off the ground is with some authentic (or close enough) flags. You can find them at local party supply stores or you can make your own. This is a great activity to get your children in on by having them cut out snowflake-like designs on rectangular pieces of paper. Flickr - Alan

Drinks & Food

Really, what is a good party with out the food? This is a great time to get a little fancy by trying out new recipes or, if you aren't a fan of cooking, to cater through your favorite Mexican restaurant. Suggested traditional Mexican foods and drinks for Cinco de Mayo are:

• Tamales
• Chiles Rellenos
• Mole Sauce
• Authentic Mexican tortillas
• Home made chips
• Home made Pico de gallo
• Margaritas
• Horchata

Find more recipes here. Flickr - Debora is Lola

Activities & Gifts

When throwing a great party, having games planned in advance (even if you don't end up playing them) can make the difference between a boring party and something your friends will be talking about for the next six months. Try your local party supply store or check out Amazon for some great gift ideas that you can send your guests home with to remember your memorable and stylish Cinco de Mayo celebration. Flickr - Darla Dietz Toss up a piñata - the kids (and let's be honest, the adults too) will love it! Flickr-giveawayboy Get the family together and visit a traditional Mexican celebration. Check your local news website for celebrations near you. Flickr - Bisayan lady

 The Sounds of Cinco de Mayo

Last, but definitely not least, the music of the event must be traditional. For some of you who like to spare no expense, that means hiring your very own mariachi band! For the rest of us, that means picking the right Pandora station to set the mood. Either way, you better be blaring the rhythmic guitar and blaring trumpet sound that mariachi bands are best known for! Flickr - oklanica

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If so, let us know in the comments below what you do to make it special!

  Source: WikiHow, About.com, Cover Photo: Flickr - --Mark--

If you are a college student looking for a good time, Spring Break in California is one of the best places to go! Warm sun, sand, water, and tons of other students ready to get their party on in their bikinis will be littering the beaches. Get ready for some beach volleyball, surfing, or whatever your heart desires. How much better could it get? Some of the best beaches to visit for the perfect Spring Break parties:

Venice Beach 

Street performers, shopping, drum circles, endless food opportunities, and Muscle Beach. Venice is something that anybody in California should experience at least once in their lifetime. With a year-round party atmosphere, Venice would not disappoint for the Spring Breaker.

Source: discoverlosangeles.com

Huntington Beach 

Can you say beach volleyball? With tons of courts, grass for picnics, and Ruby's on the pier, Huntington Beach is the perfect place for a college student to catch some rays during the day and go out to the bars at night.

Source: vice.com

Newport Beach 

Like to SUP? Enjoy relaxing and watching the boats go by? Newport beach is the perfect place for you. Balboa Island offers the perfect backdrop with fun old time games and rides, and stores for shopping.

Source: travelchannel.com

Santa Monica

Enjoy Santa Monica's amazing expanse of beautiful sandy beaches, then play around on their iconic pier and get some lunch and go shopping up on the street level.

Source: straightatours.com

Manhattan Beach 

If you enjoy the LA vibe, the perfect place to get your surf on is at Manhattan Beach!

Source: sergeys.us

 

Pacific Beach

Perfectly located near all of the most fun San Diego attractions, Pacific Beach always draws a young and fun crowd ready to have a good time during Spring Break.

Source: pacificbeachonline.com

Lake Havasu

If you are looking for an insane party scene where drinks are abundant and music is blasting, make your way over to Lake Havasu. Especially during Spring Break, this is the place to go to get some sun while meeting a ton of new people and letting loose!

Source: tripadvisor.com

   

  Source: Volny