Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, originated in 1862 when the Mexican army defeated the French invasion in the town of Puebla. This  year on May 5, celebrate the anniversary of the event using these unique ideas.

1. Homage to 1800's Mexican Cuisine

Because 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 lettuce, spring greens, or baby spinach
2 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 TSP sugar, 2 TBSP chopped cilantro, 1 TBSP vinegar. (Adjust ingredients to taste)
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with dressing. Serve immediately.  

2. The Tortilla Press, 703 Haddon Ave., Collingswood 

With eight major awards under its belt, including Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Go-Green Restaurant, The Tortilla Press has garnered a large following of locals and visitors alike. Chef and Owner Mark Smith is committed to running an environmentally-friendly establishment, by forging relationships with local farmers, using sustainable fish, and serving fair-trade organic coffee. With choices for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, this diverse menu is an exciting foray into Mexican cuisine. For more information, visit thetortillapress.com or call 856-869-3345.

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 call215-483-3947.

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, it's 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 and 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 possible and ensuring a maximum profit return to the artists when purchased from cooperatives or other arts organizations. Regular hours on Wenesday are from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, indigoarts.com or call 215-765-1041.