By Ashley Yenick, Student at Merrimack College

It’s May, which means that you’re closer to ending school and getting ready for a great summer!

This Sunday is May 5, otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Mexican Army’s victory over France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. On Cinco de Mayo, there’s tons of parties, parades and amazing food. We’ve gathered five fantastic tips to make you have a great Cinco de Mayo!

1) Host a Cinco De Mayo Party

What’s a better way to celebrate than host your own party? You can buy some cheap decorations at a party store and make your dorm room or apartment festive. Get sombreros, put on some great music, make some margaritas (if you’re legal!) and make some cheesy nachos. Click here for some great Cinco de Mayo recipes!

2) Make a Piñata

Click here to learn how to make your own. Get all your friends and have each person bring a small bag of candy to put into the piñata. You can compile your candy, and voilà! Hang it up where you can have lots of space so that it doesn’t break anything and have a blast! Piñatas can be fun and exciting to play with your friends (and give you a break from studying for finals).

3) Go to a Mexican Restaurant

No other restaurant does it best than an authentic Mexican restaurant on Cinco de Mayo! Some restaurants also have mariachi bands that play, which makes it feel like a big party when you eat there. Grab your girlfriends to enjoy some margaritas accompanied with a never-ending supply of chips and salsa. Don't forget to bring a designated driver!

4) Bake Mexican-Themed Desserts

Don’t like Mexican food but still want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Not to worry! Bake Mexican-inspired cupcakes for you and your friends! Pinterest's search has tons of recipes if you want to bake dessert instead of indulging in tacos or nachos.

5) Host a Mexican Food Contest

Have all of your friends create their own Mexican dish, whether it is tacos, churros or nachos! Have a friend sample each dish. The winner gets the bragging rights — or if you’d like, get a small prize like a $5 gift card!

We hope you have a fun (and safe) Cinco de Mayo! Please drink responsibly if you’re of age!