Some of Christmas’s best memories come after the dinner is done, the family is all together around the couch, and the aroma of ponche Navideño fills the room. It’s a time of relaxation, comfort, and getting the best stories possible out of tia.

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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--

Monterey Bay Aquarium: where sea otters and penguins become your best friends

Built at the ocean’s edge, the Aquarium is a sheer delight for visitors of all ages. Luna, the cutest sea otter you’ve ever seen, will impress youwith her story: she was once an orphan, but the Aquarium staff saved her and took care of her. Now she is happy and grateful. Don’tmiss the jelly fish, the sea lions, assist the open sea feeding of turtles, tuna, sharks and many others marine animals.

Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail: breathtaking views & friendly seals

 

Maybe you want to take a walk along the coast or ride the bike in the morning, feeling the ocean’s breeze in your hair. Or perhaps you would like to sit on a bench and admire the infinite ocean, go on a romantic picnic on one of the beautiful sandy beaches or have dinner at a restaurant next to the ocean. No matter which of these options you choose, you will enjoy every moment spent there.  

Wine Tasting Tour because Monterey County wines are a blast

If you want to go on a wine tasting trip, but don’t feel like driving from place to place, then the best thing to do is to buy tickets for a wine tasting tour. You will be picked up in the morning by a trolley which will take you to several wineries and tasting rooms. Usually, the price of a trip also includes a free bottle of wine and a meal with cheese and fruits that make the wine even tastier. But besides this, you’ll get to buy fabulous quality wines to enjoy later, at home. It is almost certain the wine tasting trip will start off with a group of quiet people and end with the same group, only louder, merrier and funnier.

 Beautiful Harbor Cruise: the icing on the cake

You can choose a classical boat or a glass-bottomed boat when you take the whale watching tour. Whichever you prefer, just grab sunscreen lotion, warm clothes, a hat, a camera and GO! You’ll understand what the fuss is all about before you go on the boat, when you meet people who take the tour the second or third time. If you are lucky, you’ll see dolphins, Orca, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, birds. But true magic will occur when the dolphins or the Humpback Whales calves feel like playing, jump out of water and flap around.  

Lopez Restaurante y Cantina if you are a true fan of fresh and spicy

The Mexican culinary legacy is a blessing for locals and tourists alike. Burritos topped with tomatillo sauce, chips and salsa, of course, super combo fajitas (chicken and shrimp) are just some of the amazing dishes you can order at Lopez Restaurante y Cantina. The food portions are really big and delicious, the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing. And we have two more tips for a PERFECT experience: try the margaritas and the fried ice cream.   California’s capital city for almost 100 years under Mexican and Spanish flags, Monterey is now famous for dazzling coastline views, golf, shopping, its highly educational and entertaining aquarium, water sports and wonderful Mexican cuisine. Choose Monterey as your holiday destination and plan your trip so you make the most of it. You can find below some of the most interesting and fun things to do in Monterey.  

Have you been to Monterey? What was a special experience for you?