1. Homage to 1800's Mexican Cuisine

Since Cinco de Mayo celebrates an event from the 1800s, how about whipping up an authentic Mexican dish from the time period? The cookbook El Cocinero Mexicano (The Mexican Chef), published in 1831, blends haute French cuisine with traditional Mexican fare, and served as the country's first printed cookbook. Try this delicious original salad recipe, adapted from research on El Cocinero Mexicano. Serve alongside some simple fried pork chops with hot sauce—a typical homemade dish of the period.

Old-Timey Mexican Salad

1 bag mixed lettuces, spring greens, or baby spinach
Two carrots, chopped
1/2 each of the following fruits, diced: orange, pear, banana, apple
1 can cooked beets, chopped
1 cooked potato, chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup peanuts
Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil, 1 TBSP lime juice, 2 tsps. sugar, 2 TBSP chopped cilantro, 1 TBSP vinegar. (Adjust these ingredients to taste).
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with dressing. Serve immediately.  

2. Taproom Bar and Grill, 427 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Haddon Township 

This May 5, the Taproom will be serving up its finest Mexican dishes with specials on tacos, chips with homemade salsa, cheese quesdillas, hand-made chicken taquitos, and pork carnitas, all $6 and under! The chef will also be adding a special burrito dinner to celebrate the day. To wash it all down, order an icy margarita or keep it simple with a couple shots of premium Tequila chased with lime. For more information, call 856-854-4255 or visit taproomgrill.com.

3. Adobe Cafe, 4550 Mitchell St., Philadelphia

This long-time Philly favorite is throwing a big party on Cinco de Mayo, and expects a huge crowd. Live reggae music and a consistently-excellent menu headline the celebration. Traditional favorites like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas sit alongside fusion dishes like Penne Puebla, Barbecue Chicken Pizza and Jerk-Grilled Calamari. Make your own margarita from twenty different tequila options. After dinner, take a stroll around Main Street in Manayunk, which will be buzzing with even more revelers. For more information, visit adobecafephilly.com or call 215-483-3947.

4. Rent the Mexican Masterpiece and Cult Classic, Aventurera

This 1950 Mexican film is a typical "Rumberas" film, inspired by the caberets and burlesque houses of 1920s Mexico. Aventurera, as the title suggests, follows the adventures of a young woman as she flees her home after learning of her mother's affair and the subsequent suicide of her father. Lured by an unscrupulous villan who drugs her and sells her to a brothel, she becomes a famous nightclub dancer. However, even as she puts on the facade of living a seedy lifestyle, she all the while plans revenge on those who have wronged her. This film is not only perfect for celebrating Mexico's past history and culture, but it's also a must for any fan of film noir.

5. Visit Indigo Arts, 1400 North American St., No. 104, Philadelphia

Take a trip over the bridge to immerse yourself in folk art. Indigo Arts features paintings, books, dance masks, beadwork, pottery, wood carvings, religious art and textiles from Mexican artists as well as many pieces from Asia and Africa. The gallery participates in fair trade practices, buying directly from the artists themselves when they can and ensuring the maximum profit return to the artists when purchasing from cooperatives or other arts organizations. Their regular hours are Wednesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and Sunday-Tuesday "by appointment or by chance." They are open until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of every month. For more information, visit indigoarts.com or call 215-765-1041.