The Early May Day Party Craze: Cinco de Mayo, The Derby, & Mifflin Day
Or, is there anything better than a darty?
A long time ago, when I was in my early twenties, and living on my own for the first time, there was a very, very, very important holiday my friends and I celebrated every May. We called it Cinco de Derby de Mifflin. I’ll assume that most of you are familiar with Cinco de Mayo, and the Kentucky Derby. Both events are in close proximity to each other, often falling on back-to-back days, or on the same weekend. It just so happens that this year Cinco de Mayo is a Friday, followed by the Derby on Saturday, May 6th. Last week, when I was looking forward to May and putting a few things on our family calendar, I happened to notice and it made me smile.
If you happen to go to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, or live in or around Madison, then you are probably familiar with the Mifflin Street Block Party. If not, Mifflin Day originally started as a protest to the Vietnam War (I learned this on the party’s official wikipedia page, lol), but over time has evolved into basically just a gigantic street/block/porch party in Madison, on Mifflin Street — where undergrads, grads, and young people in Madison spill into the streets and party all day long.
In my early 20s, these three events converged into the same weekend, creating an opportunity for a mega darty. Am I aging myself by using the term Darty? Probably — if you’re not aware, it refers to a day party. We would get dressed up — and you could choose your own theme — with each occasion translating to a very different attire. Dealers’ choice of going Cinco-de-Mayo with a Mexican-inspired look, Kentucky Derby with a classic (often very preppy) cocktail dress, or Mifflin with a lacrosse jersey, backwards hat & cutoff denim shorts. We would have food of some kind (I think, let’s be honest, it wasn’t really about the food), and then, of course, there were drinks & drinking games. Our games of choice included Beer Pong, Flip Cup, and Chandeliers (btw if you are under 28 and haven’t played this, highly recommend it. If over 28, you should play too, but, proceed with caution.)
As I’m sure you can imagine, much fun was had, and much debauchery ensued. And the hangovers weren’t even that bad; I might have thought they were bad at the time - I had no idea how good I had it! Thinking about it makes me smile, and I love reminiscing about these days. There is something about a daytime party, specifically, that is just so fun. Probably because of some combination of the idea that parties typically happen at night, after dark, when you’ve completed all the obligations and duties of the day and have time for yourself, and the feeling that you’re getting away with something that you don’t usually get to do during day time. The day stretches out before you — hours ahead to hang with your friends, party, mingle, and have fun. The party might stretch deep into nighttime, or you might wrap up early and still have a good night's sleep. Now, as a parent, there is something alluring about a daytime event that has to do with how challenging it is to make it happen — the babysitting that has to be arranged, the coverage of children’s activities that has to be figured out. It would be a headache to figure out, but an equally huge escape from my normal day.
There is a sense of nostalgia that comes with thinking about days like this - with a little dose of awe over how profoundly different my life was 10 or so years ago. It’s not a longing for the past, because I love my life right now, am so thankful for everything and everyone in it, and I would never trade it in. But it is a little bittersweet to think about. My husband and I often talk about an imaginary scenario in which we get to put everything on pause and just go back to our old (young) selves for one day. Just one day (at a time!) would be enough - to have a little taste of being in your mid-20s — a little sense of stability because we were a few years out of college, but no real responsibility. It would make a great gift, and I, for one, wouldn’t look that horse in the mouth!
It seems like sometimes it’s forbidden for moms to say or admit to that desire or nostalgia for a time pre-kids. So, I’ll just go ahead and say it - I had it pretty good, and I totally didn’t have as much appreciation for it as I could have, and there are days when a day of fun and no responsibilities sounds pretty great. I would never trade it in for what I have today - like I said, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the life and family that I have, but man, a darty sounds nice.
Someday in the future, I know we will go back to a time when we indulge in daytime celebrations and occasions from time to time without having to weigh every single trade-off and be afraid of how we’ll feel the day after! Maybe there will be fewer games of Chandeliers, but I’ll never say never! For now, I will watch the Mifflin Day TikToks (I am assuming these exist!), jealously watch friends craft and consume the perfect Margarita for Cinco de Mayo (I am counting down the days until my first marg of the summer once this baby comes!) and place some tame bets on the Derby. And, I will think about the clothes! Since I’m not sure anyone who reads this is in their lax-jersey/cutoff daisy dukes phase (If I’m wrong, I’m sorry and please don’t stop reading!), I will focus on Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky-Derby-inspired looks, all of which could also translate into any occasion you have coming up this spring or summer!
1: Cream & Azure Midi Dress / 2: Ditsy V-Neck Dress / 3: Lacey Dress / 4: Raelynn Dress / 5: Tagliatelle Linen Dress / 6: A-Line Halter Dress / 7: Green Floral Midi Dress / 8: Pearl Sandals / 9: Rhode Ella Dress / 10: Presley Dress / 11: Pink Mini Dress / 12: Pomegranate Mini Dress / 13: Farm Rio Off the Shoulder Dress / 14: Xirena Nissa Dress / 15: Farm Rio Macaw Dress / 16: Scalloped Hat / 17: Embroidered Dress / 18: Boden Gauze Mini Dress / 19: Puff Sleeve Dress / 20: Pink Floral Mini / 21: Mi Golondrina Dress / 22: Linen Puff Sleeve Dress / 23: Layered Frill Dress / 24: Calix Dress / 25: Top & Skirt / 26: Black Hat / 27: V-Neck Jersey Mini Dress / 28: Amir Linen 2 Piece / 29: Cotton knit mini dress / 30: Lorna Murray Hat / 31: SZ Blockprints Jaipur Dress
1: Cream & Azure Midi Dress: Blue and white forever, you know?
2: Ditsy V-Neck Dress: And again - I can’t quit it! I love that this could be a special dress, but also one you get a lot of wear out of!
3: Lacey Dress: This is a classic Reformation style, and I love it - a flattering style for so many people!
4: Raelynn Dress: Love the print on this dress - so pretty, unique, and fun!
5: Tagliatelle Linen Dress: Another classic Reformation style; this is beautiful!
6: A-Line Halter Dress: This is a little unique, but really fun. Would look super cute with ballet flats!
7: Green Floral Midi Dress: I’m normally all about blue and white, but green is definitely call to me these days - this is a fun big floral pattern!
8: Pearl Sandals: The cutest little flat to make every outfit extra special!
9: Rhode Ella Dress: A cute little mini that you can dress up or down!
10: Presley Dress: If the weather is going to be extra good in early May, this would be super cute, but I also love the idea of wearing it with a khaki or tan blazer for early spring, and then alone as it gets warmer!
11: Pink Mini Dress: Pink is the color of the season and this one stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. Would also make a great wedding guest dress for a cocktail attire wedding!
12: Pomegranate Mini Dress: A wear all summer long kind of piece - the detailing is so special on this one!
13: Farm Rio Off the Shoulder Dress: I love Farm Rio for special occasions, and especially an off-the-shoulder look. Best worn while enjoying a margarita!
14: Xirena Nissa Dress: If you love purple, she’s a beaut!
15: Farm Rio Macaw Dress: Another fun Farm Rio pick.
16: Scalloped Hat: Wouldn’t be a derby party without a hat, and this is a very cool one that you could wear with just about everything all summer long!
17: Embroidered Dress: Looks ultra-flattering and has pretty details.
18: Boden Gauze Mini Dress: Gauze is a great fabric for the heat!
19: Puff Sleeve Dress: Great print with a party-ready silhouette.
20: Pink Floral Mini: Fun, flirty, and happy!
21: Mi Golondrina Dress: Lean deep into the Cinco De Mayo theme, and then wear this beach and poolside every weekend this summer!
22: Linen Puff Sleeve Dress: This is so unique and special! It would make a great dress for a bridal or baby shower, or even a work event!
23: Layered Frill Dress: Perfect if you are actually going to the Derby, or going all out for a party! I love this dress!
24: Calix Dress: this looks nice and structured, but not too clingy!
25: Cami NYC Top & Skirt: Last year I got super into separates, and they are definitely here to stay! I love the look of a maxi skirt with a top! Shows the perfect amount of skin!
26: Black Hat: Love this twist on a visor!
27: V-Neck Jersey Mini Dress: If you love a mini, this is for you!
28: Amir Linen 2 Piece: Another killer 2-piece. I think Reformation does them really nicely!
29: Cotton Knit Mini Dress: Great dress up or dress down choice! I am very into baby blue as of late.
30: Lorna Murray Hat: Such a fun and happy hat, bonus that it packs/transports very well!
31: SZ Blockprints Jaipur Dress: Gorgeous pattern, flattering on everyone!