With Cinco de Mayo a week away, you may want to start thinking about ways to celebrate. Cinco de Mayo commemorates an unlikely victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. It's not an official Mexican holiday, but it's still a great excuse to have a party.

Host a Taco Night
How: Pick up some taco shells or tortillas, fresh tomatoes and lettuce, and some chicken or beef when you go grocery shopping. Cook up the meats, chop up the veggies, heat the tacos, and you've got a quick and delicious Mexican-themed dinner. 

Take a Cooking Class
How: If you want to try slightly more traditional Mexican fare, how about learning some new recipes? For example, Newbury College is hosting a Cinco de Mayo cooking class at their Roger A Saunders School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. For $45 per person, you can learn some cooking basics, and then enjoy the meal with beer or wine. The class starts at 6 p.m. on May 5. 

Take in some Mariachi Music
How:  If you don't already have a Mariachi album in your collection, you can see a nine-piece Mariachi band play live at The Beehive Restaurant (541 Tremont St, Boston). Their Cinco de Mayo event starts at 8 p.m. on May 5, with music starting at 10 p.m.

Try Some Tequila
How: Only a good idea if you're over 21. Pick up a bottle at your local package store, and drink with lime and salt, or mix into a margarita. You could also go to The Fireplace restaurant for their April 30 Fireside Chat evening, where they will be tasting Tequilas at 3 p.m.

Break Open a Piñata
How: Purchase a piñata from a party store, hang it up, and send a blindfolded participant after it with a stick or bat. Serenade Chocolatier has a very unique twist, a chocolate piñata cake. It comes with a small mallet, and is actually a hollow cake filled with surprises inside.