Updated: May 4, 2020
Tacos, guac and tequila? Yes, please!
Toronto’s Taco Fest was June 14-16 this year at Ontario Place. This was the first time I’ve ever been to something like it in the city and it will definitely not be my last. While I wait a year until Taco Fest returns to Toronto, what better way to celebrate the warm weather by recreating your own Taco Fest. Here are 5 must-haves at your next Mexican Fiesta.
1. Tacos
I think this one is a given. You can’t host a Mexican Fiesta without some sort of tacos! What I loved about Taco Fest was the spin each vendor had on their own version of Tacos. There was a variety of classic traditional Mexican tacos and new takes on classic dishes. One of my favourites was the Butter Chicken Roti Taco from Rick’s Good Eats.
2. Salsa, Guac and Chip Bar
You’ll definitely want your chips with the dip. This is a super easy addition that will instantly spice up your party. Sam has a really easy guac recipe if you want to make your own guac, but typically grocery stores sell a lot of different kinds too that you can pour in a bowl and serve to your guests. Feeling fancy? Instead of serving your chips in a serving bowl, use a sombrero as your serving tray.
3. Drinks
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor! No party is complete without some drinks. My friends know I absolutely love tequila, but I know it’s not for everyone. Have friends who are more into cocktails? Check out Sam’s easy low sugar sangria recipe or watermelon frosé for a fruity drink at your fiesta. Do you want to see more drink recipes? In case you haven’t noticed, Sam and I love drinks and there’s no better time than throwing an event to try more recipes.
4. Music
Spotify comes in handy when you don’t have access to a live Mariachi band. Some of my favourite songs to continue the Mexican Fiesta vibe going include:
Despacito – Luis Fonsi
Taki Taki – DJ Snake, Cardi B, Ozuna, Selena Gomez
Informer – Snow
Danza Kuduro – Don Omar, Lucenzo
Gasolina – Daddy Yankee,Barrio Fino
Mi Gente – J Balvin, Willy William
Shake Senora – Pitbull, T-Pain, Sean Paul
Whine Up – Kat Deluna, Elephant Man
BEBE – 6ix9ine, Anuel Aa
5. Decor
Taco Fest had marquee letters that spelled out “Tequila” and “Tacos” as photo backdrops. Although this is a good idea, buying or renting marquee letters can be expensive.
An alternative idea is to purchase individual letter balloons. There are relatively cheap ones you can get from Amazon for under $4 each. Whenever I plan events, I like to buy items where I can use for multiple occasions. My go-to decor idea will always be my Cinema Lightbox. I got mine from Chapters, but I’ve seen them at a Dollarama for $4.
Other ways you can spice up your decor is by printing cut-outs for photo props, streamers, and photo pinwheels to create your own photo backdrop.
Have you planned a Taco Fest before? Taco ’bout your good time in the comments below.
xo Viv.