Founded after an unlikely victory by Mexican troops against the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican and U.S. holiday honoring Mexican culture, food and heritage. It is often mistaken for the day of Mexican Independence, which is actually celebrated on September 16.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in all sorts of ways: parades, parties, nights out on the town, music festivals and folk dances, or bailes folkloricos.

Paper Plus loves the fiesta! Our permanent Fiesta section of Mexican party goods grows in anticipation of Cinco de Mayo.

You’ll find beautiful paper cutout strands, or papel picado, which come in a variety of colors and designs, including fruit, birthday, flower and traditional. These colorful strands of paper make beautiful decorations in windows, doorways, and as frieze borders.

Throwing a Cinco de Mayo party? We have plates and napkins in bright Mexican designs. Serve that delicious Mexican food and drink in style! Or choose serving ware by color; we have every color in the rainbow, plus silver and gold. Mix and match green, white and red to honor the Mexican flag!

We also carry props for photo booths, like mustaches on sticks, hats, and more gear to dress up your photos. Our huge selection of pinatas is also available year-round.

Cinco de Mayo is a time for bright colors and music-filled celebrations honoring Mexican culture and the historical battle that took place on that day. Some cities go so far as to reenact the Battle of Puebla in full Mexican and French soldier regalia. Others just want to have fun – in Vancouver, Canada, it’s celebrated with an annual Cinco de Mayo skydiving event; people in the Cayman Islands gather to celebrate the holiday with an air guitar competition.

Visit the store in Berkeley to check out our Fiesta section and get in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo.