19 Ideas for a Coco Themed Party
Jamie Allen
Contributor
Who doesn’t love a good Disney-themed party? With this in mind, why not combine your love of Disney and the unmistakable vibes of Mexican culture? This is where the amazing film Coco comes in! Coco is inspired by the Mexican holiday for the Day of the Dead or Día de Los Muertos, if you’re a Spanish speaker.
Here, we are taken on an epic journey to the land of the dead as Miguel learns the secrets of his family during his pursuit to become a world-famous musician just like Ernesto de la Cruz. Sounds up your alley? Then let’s get the ball rolling for your very own Coco themed party!
The most obvious occasion to host your own Coco themed party is Día de Los Muertos. However, you can celebrate your love for Disney and Mexican culture just about any time throughout the year! Perhaps the summertime is the best of the four seasons to host your party. Here, you’re likely to have the sun and party vibes on your side.
Here’s Everything You Need to Throw a Coco Themed Party:
Coco Themed Party Vendors
Live Band
What’s a party without music? Coco is a film with music and family at its core. So why not go for a traditional Mariachi band that can play a variety of traditional tunes? Here, you can sing along and dance the night away as vibrant colors and powerful ballets fill your venue.
Classic Mexican fiesta music includes La Tequilera by Astrid Hadad, Mambo No. 5 by Tito Rodriguez, Golpes Que da la Vida by La Sonora Santanera, and Tuyo by Rodrigo Amarante. If you’re looking for more modern tunes I’m sure the band could also give a rendition of Justin Bieber’s Despacito.
DJ
We’re sticking with the music theme just for one more section. If your potential venue or event location doesn't have ample room, a DJ is the way to go. Your disc jockey can play an array of your favorite Mexican songs as well as songs from Coco itself! Some of my personal favorites from the movie include Un Poco Loco, Jálale instrumental, and Remember Me (Ernesto de la Cruz).
Body Painting
With the help of professional body painters, you can have your own Día de Los Muertos just like in the film. You and your friends can have your faces painted to represent colorful skulls, your favorite character, and so much more. Heck, why not go the full hog and paint your dad’s torso to look like a skeleton? Body painting is an even better idea if you’re planning on dressing up as the characters from Coco.
Caterers
Food plays a big part in Mexican celebrations and is represented throughout the movie. As showcased by Miguel’s grandmother, Abuelita, food should not be turned away—no matter how many burritos your Abuela puts on your plate! Just as it is in the film as it is in real life, Mexican food is full of color, spice, and plenty of sides to share with the whole family. Your Coco themed party would not be complete without a good spread!
Dancers
If you want to go the extra mile, you can use the services of professional dancers who specialize in similar dances to those seen in the movie! This also goes hand-in-hand if you’re set on having live music at your party. These dancers can truly get the party started as guests will feel inspired to join in on the fun.
Coco Themed Party Venues
Private Gardens
Great for summertime parties, a private garden gives you plenty of space while making use of the glorious weather! In a private garden, you can make the area your own. With overhead fairy lights symbolizing the path to the underworld and colorful decorations throughout, a private garden is always a safe bet for a party venue.
Mexican Restaurant
Perhaps one of the more obvious venues for your Coco themed party, a Mexican restaurant will certainly give you an authentic feel. What’s more, the owners will understand how to give you a real sense of what Mexican culture is all about. Personally, I couldn’t think of a better place to host a party inspired by one of my favorite Disney films.
Nightclub
If you’re planning on hosting a party that runs long into the night, a nightclub could provide you with all the lights, space, and sounds that you need. When decorated to your liking, a nightclub could easily represent the Battle of the Bands scene from the film. For a party full of dancing, Mexican tunes, and perhaps the odd Mexican-inspired beverage, a nightclub is the way to go!
Coco Inspired Creative Details
Coco Themed Party Decorations
A Coco themed party wouldn’t be complete without decorations. Such decor can transform your venue and transport guests into the movie! When it comes to Coco-related decorations look no further than items such as colorful overhead runners, inflatable sombreros, funky skulls, and cactus centerpieces. Anything along these lines and you’re most certainly on to a winner!
Outfits
To make your party even more authentic, you could dress up in traditional Mexican clothing which is featured throughout the film. That poncho that you’re dad brought you all those years ago is finally going to come into use after all! Other outfit ideas include dressing up like a Mariachi band with your own guitar ready to wow other guests. When it comes to Mexican and Coco-inspired outfits, the array of colorful options is endless.
Battle of The Bands
Possibly one of the most memorable scenes from the movie is the Battle of The Bands scene. This is where Migeul and Héctor attempt to win tickets to the party at Ernesto de la Cruz’s mansion. Inspired by this, you and your guests can host your own battle of the bands.
Keep it in line with the theme and perform songs from the film or other tunes by Mexican artists. If it was down to me I’d attempt The World Es Mi Familia or Ahora Te Puedes Marchar by Luis Miguel if you’re a fan of Dusty Springfield songs translated into Spanish with a 1980s synth beat.
Assigning Characters
What better way to celebrate the film, Coco, than dressing up as your favorite character? This ties in nicely with the outfit idea but is even more specific to the movie. I know what you’re thinking and I have you covered. What if everyone turns up in their best Ernesto de la Cruz outfit? To make things fair, you can draw characters' names from a hat but not reveal who you got. Then, on the day of the party, it will be a nice surprise when guests arrive. Especially if your dad has to dress up as Mamá Coco.
Coco Party Games
Similar to Mexican parties, you can plan your own traditional party games. The most obvious is a pinata. This is great if you have younger guests who can get involved and enjoy a plethora of candy once the pinata gives way. If you’re hosting a Coco themed party for adults, why not fill the pinata mini alcoholic beverages? Go on, treat yourself.
Coco Themed Party Food Ideas
Food Trucks
If you want a proper Mexican cuisine experience without the cooking, why not hire a food truck that specializes in Mexican food? This is a great idea for larger gatherings in open spaces. Here, you can try a delectable splendor of all things Mexican-food related. This convenient option takes the stress out of your party and enables you to simply enjoy the celebration.
Family-Style Meals
In Mexican culture, food brings families together as is the case in the opening scenes of Coco. If you’re planning your own family-style banquet, each member of your party can make their own Mexican-inspired dish and bring it with them for one big family feast. Some classic dishes include Chilaquiles, Tacos al pastor, burritos, guacamole dip, and much more. Mexican cuisine is also great if you’re vegetarian or vegan!
Street Food
If you’ve ever been to Mexico, you’ll know just how great the street food is there. With this in mind, why not hire a catering company that specializes in Mexican street cuisine? This convenient, hand-held cuisine would be great at any energetic party. Guests can come and go as they please before getting back into the action.
Coco Themed Drink Ideas
Tequila (for the adults only!)
Tequila is synonymous with Mexico. Though you may not know it, there are many different types of tequila to sample. From 100 Años to Jose Cuervo as well as Tequila Rose, there is a type of tequila to suit every occasion. What’s more, they’re sure to liven up any party!
Mexican Inspired Cocktails
Mexico has so many cocktails to choose from you’ll find it hard to narrow it down! Many cocktails that hail from Mexico include elements such as tequila, rum, and even lager! Some of my favorites include Carajillo (Mexican Spiked Coffee), Chelada, Cantariot, and the most well-known, the classic Margarita.
Mocktails
For those who don’t drink alcohol, you don’t need to worry. Many classic Mexican drinks taste equally as nice without a touch of rum or tequila. As many cocktails include elements such as lime juice, pineapple juice, and syrups, you’ll still feel refreshed drinking a delicious Mexican-inspired mocktail.
Find more theme party ideas here on The Bash.
