Host Like a Jefa: Hacks to Elevate Your Pascua Celebration

Spring is in the air, and with it, we know Holy Week and Pascuas are coming along! It is common for every Latine family living in the U.S. to build their own traditions, maybe mixing a bit of the more traditional, religious essence it has in Latin America, with a less solemn spirit connected to the Anglo-Saxon sense of abundance and renewal—represented in lovely chocolate bunny and funny hen figures.

In this cultural mix, what will certainly happen is a large family gathering, which may also include neighbors and friends joining in at your house. Delicious food and warm hospitality are the norm. So, if you’re hosting a Pascuas gathering in the U.S., let us give you some tips to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the hopeful spirit of the season.

—

1- Set the Table with Colorful Elegance

The table, set in a warm and welcoming manner, is the heart of any Latine gathering. Dressing it with a handmade, textured table runner in terracotta tones, featuring delicate embroidery at the ends, will bring the warmth needed to welcome your guests and set the tone for a heartfelt yet intimate gathering. Pair it with beautiful Talavera tableware and gold cutlery to add a touch of refinement, along with linen embroidered napkins in an earth-toned hue. For the final touch, decorate with a lush white lily centerpiece surrounded by white candles—for safety, we recommend battery-powered candles, which beautifully emulate real ones without the risks.

—

2- Always Prepare for Extra Guests

Latine families tend to be large, and gatherings often extend beyond family to include friends, friends of friends, neighbors, and even their neighbors. With the unexpected always around the corner—and Pascuas being a time of hope and reunion—new additions to the celebration are always welcome! Make sure you have extra seating. We recommend keeping a set of stackable stools on hand—they take up little space and are perfect for accommodating more guests while keeping the setup flexible.

—

3- Serve a Buffet of Seafood & Traditional Fish Dishes

While this is a family gathering, it’s common for each guest to bring a dish to share, contributing to the communal lunch. To avoid crowding the dining table, set up an extra buffet-style table where everyone can serve themselves and enjoy the variety. Large serving platters are perfect for showcasing traditional meatless Pascuas dishes, which can range from empanadas de vigilia, lentil stew, and stuffed potatoes to arroz con mariscos or more contemporary options like ceviche and shrimp cocktails. To keep warm dishes at the ideal temperature, we recommend using an electric warming tray.

—

4- Refreshments: Agua Fresca & a Cocktail Bar

Along the buffet table, set up a self-serve agua fresca station with refreshing flavors like Jamaica or Tamarindo in generous glass dispensers, so you don’t have to constantly monitor your guests’ drink preferences. For adults, create a cocktail bar with a selection of spirits such as tequila and mezcal, along with tropical mixers, allowing guests to craft their own signature drinks.

—

5- Cascarones’ Time

A Pascuas party isn’t complete without your Cascarones, and less so if there are children around! In a corner you can set up a Cascarones decorating station with empty eggshells, confetti, and paint pens so guests of all ages can decorate their own before the big cracking moment!

—

6- Set the Mood with Music!

No Latine gathering is complete without music! It sets the mood for a joyful, festive atmosphere, which is always the hallmark of any communal celebration. Have an upbeat and popular playlist ready —don’t miss this Latin Hit Mix on Spotify! Set up a portable Bluetooth speaker that easily connects to your smartphone, and share your best salsa playlist to add a vibrant, party-like flair to your Pascuas lunch.

—

7- Some Chocolate Bunnies to Take Home

After enjoying some capirotadas or empanaditas de camote, indulging in some chocolate bunnies and eggs can provide a fun and festive way to wrap up the gathering. The children will especially love a sweet treat, adding a celebratory touch that connects with the U.S. tradition.

With these essentials, your Latine Pascuas celebration will be a warm, lively, and memorable celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of the warm season. ¡Felices Pascuas y a disfrutar!

Check on Target to learn about their latest trends!