With Cinco de Mayo festivities on the horizon and the masses gearing up for a wild weekend, important ground rules need to be discussed. Cinco de Mayo should not be taken lightly — it’s an eventful day filled with booze, sombreros and mass gatherings.
Three distinct holidays where heavy drinking is actually somewhat socially acceptable: Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. These holidays give students the perfect excuse (not that they need one in the first place) to indulge in the joys of celebratory impairment. However, the factors involved in Cinco de Mayo festivities (tequila, tacos and salsa) can put even the most seasoned veteran in murky waters.@@not a good mix@@
First off, it’s important to note the significance of the holiday.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day.
However, the day — still celebrated in the United States and regionally in Mexico — is actually a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In essence, it is a celebration of freedom and democracy.@@way to ruin our thoughts on 5th may@@
Now that you can impress all your friends with some history knowledge, it’s time to delve into what’s really important this Saturday: surviving.
How to keep yourself away from jail, the hospital or just generally being “that guy (or girl)”:

• Stay hydrated (Note: More alcohol doesn’t count).
• Prepare imbibing with the right meal (Mexican cuisine recommended). Do not go overboard with this step, or it will leave you struggling.
• Be wary of the dreaded open container or minor in possession. Partying on the streets/sidewalk is still a crime. The police won’t make an exception because you’re celebrating a holiday that has no cultural meaning to the majority of Americans.
• Cinco de Mayo is a team effort. Mexico didn’t defeat the French forces with a one-man resistance. Therefore, if things happen to go awry, and you’re the one left to pick up the pieces, so be it.
• Remember that Jose Cuervo is a much stronger man than you are, and by the end of the night, he will be your enemy.
• Pace yourself. Contrary to classic underclassmen perceptions, Cinco de Mayo should not be treated as a race — it’s a marathon, unless, of course, you sprint marathons. In that case, you may be an alcoholic.

Attire and supplies:

• Leave the fake mustaches at home. If it’s not real, it’s not cool. Plus, the fake ones itch like crazy, and no one likes getting hair stuck in their mouth.
• On the other hand, sombreros are encouraged. Moderation, like most things in life, is key. Make sure it can fit through the front door.
• If you’re the hospitable type and have decided to throw a party in honor of the festivities, I’d recommend a pinata. It’s not essential, but when things start to get hazy, people will remember the party with the pinata.
• Wear appropriate shoes. This is more crucial for the ladies: Leave the heels at home. Don’t get me wrong, heels are classy, but Cinco de Mayo is never a classy affair. It gets messy fast.
• Getting in the spirit of the holiday is important; however, take care not to push the boundaries into stereotyping. A general rule, if you think you might offend someone, you probably will.

You may decide to conform to these guidelines or not, but the most important part of Saturday’s festivities is to have fun. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. Plus, Cinco de Mayo will give you an opportunity to put an end to your week-five misery. There you go, now you have two reasons to celebrate.