Cinco de Mayo · May 5

Plastic Papel Picado for Cinco de Mayo

Plastic papel picado is the traditional Mexican cut-flag banner made from waterproof plastic instead of tissue paper. For Cinco de Mayo, it fills patios, backyards, restaurants and street fiestas with bright color, and it's built to handle sun, wind and rain. Hang it for May 5, then rinse it, store it and bring it back next year.

  • 92 ft of color5 banners × 18.4 ft
  • Outdoor-readyWaterproof, UV-protected plastic
  • Made in MexicoHandcrafted in Central Mexico
Plastic papel picado strung over a Cinco de Mayo street celebration with food stalls and families
The set

Fiesta Wraps Plastic Papel Picado, 5-Pack

Five pre-strung multicolor banners in the "Fiesta Prismatic" color mix, with ten different cut-out flag designs on every banner.

Fiesta Wraps plastic papel picado 5-pack: five multicolor banners with ten cut-out flag designs each
The full set: five banners, ten flag designs per banner.
Product specifications
In the box5 pre-strung banners (5 strings)
Banner length18.4 ft (5.6 m) each
Total coverage92 ft (28 m)
Flags10 per banner, 10 different designs and colors
Flag size16 × 12.5 in (41 × 32 cm)
MaterialWaterproof plastic with UV protection
UseIndoor and outdoor
MadeHandcrafted in Central Mexico by skilled artisans
$25.99Amazon.com price as of October 13, 2026; prices may change. Check the listing for the current price.

Sold on Amazon. Fiesta Wraps is also available on Etsy, TikTok Shop and Walmart.

Close-up of a plastic papel picado flag showing the cut-out design and the cord
Why plastic

Why Plastic Papel Picado Works for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo parties often happen outdoors, in patios, backyards and streets, where sun, wind and the odd spring shower are part of the day. That's where plastic papel picado earns its place.

Made for outdoor parties

The banners are waterproof plastic with UV protection to minimize fading. The listing describes them as able to withstand rain, wind and extended outdoor use.

Reuse it next May

Rinse, store and reuse across events. The same set can go up for Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day and summer parties.

Covers a lot of space

92 feet across five banners is enough for a backyard, a restaurant patio or several rows over a party table.

Ready to hang

Each banner comes pre-strung. Tie the ends to hooks, posts, railings or branches and it's up.

Fiesta Wraps multicolor plastic papel picado hung over a backyard patio set for a Cinco de Mayo party

Plastic or tissue paper for Cinco de Mayo?

Choose plastic if your celebration is outdoors, the decorations will stay up for days, or you want to reuse them. Choose tissue paper for the traditional, delicate look at an indoor or covered party; it's designed for single use. Compare both materials side by side on our Mexican party supplies hub.

Decorating ideas

Cinco de Mayo Decorating Ideas with Papel Picado

May 5 commemorates Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today it's a day of food, music and gatherings, and papel picado overhead is the quickest way to set the scene.

Backyard fiesta at dusk under papel picado and string lights

Backyard fiesta

Zigzag two or three banners between trees or fence posts above the eating area. Add string lights along the same line for an evening party.

Mexican restaurant dining room decorated with rows of papel picado

Restaurants & bars

Run parallel rows across the ceiling or patio for Cinco de Mayo specials. Plastic can stay up for the whole week, then be rinsed and stored.

Plastic papel picado lining a school courtyard set up for a Cinco de Mayo community event

Street fairs & community events

Line a block, a plaza or a school courtyard. At 92 feet per set, two or three sets cover a long stretch of booths.

  • Porch or front door: drape one banner in a gentle swag across the entrance to welcome guests.
  • Party table: hang a banner along the wall behind the food or dessert table so it frames photos.
  • Patio umbrella or pergola: run banners from the center outward like spokes.
  • Office or classroom: one banner across a wall or window brings Cinco de Mayo indoors.
Planning

How Much Papel Picado Do You Need?

Measure the distance between your anchor points. Allow a little extra for a gentle sag; as a rule of thumb, one 18.4 ft banner covers a straight run of about 16 ft.

Runs of bannerWhat to buy
Doorway, porch or one wall1 run1 banner (1 set leaves 4 to spare)
Small patio or balcony2–3 parallel runs1 set of 5
Backyard party4–5 crisscross runs1 set of 5
Restaurant patio or event space8–10 runs2 sets
Street fair or long venueMeasure total length ÷ about 16 ft per banner2–3+ sets

Estimates only. Spans longer than about 16 ft need two banners tied end to end.

Hanging tips

  1. 1Plan the lines

    Choose anchor points: hooks, posts, railings, gutters or branches.

  2. 2Tie, don't stretch

    Tie the cord ends and leave a slight sag so the flags hang straight.

  3. 3Layer the rows

    Cross or stagger rows at different heights for a fuller canopy.

  4. 4Store for next year

    Rinse if needed, let dry, then fold or roll each banner for storage.

Hooks, clips and ties are not listed as included.

Questions

Plastic Papel Picado for Cinco de Mayo: FAQs

Is plastic papel picado good for outdoor Cinco de Mayo parties?

Yes. Fiesta Wraps plastic papel picado is made from waterproof plastic with UV protection to minimize fading, and the product listing describes it as able to withstand rain, wind and extended outdoor use. That makes it a practical choice for patios, backyards, restaurant terraces and street events on May 5. Tie it securely to sturdy anchor points so the wind can't pull it loose.

How long is this papel picado banner set?

The set includes five pre-strung banners, each 18.4 ft (5.6 m) long, for 92 ft (28 m) in total. Every banner has 10 flags in 10 different designs and colors, and each flag measures 16 × 12.5 in (41 × 32 cm).

How many papel picado banners do I need for a Cinco de Mayo party?

Count the runs you want to hang. One 18.4 ft banner covers a straight run of about 16 ft with a gentle sag, so a doorway takes one banner, a small patio two or three, and a backyard canopy of crisscrossed rows about five, which is one full set. Restaurant patios and larger event spaces usually need two or more sets. See the planning table.

Can I reuse plastic papel picado after Cinco de Mayo?

Yes. The banners are made to be rinsed, stored and reused across events. After the party, rinse off any dirt if needed, let them dry, then fold or roll each banner and store it somewhere dry. The same set works again for Mexican Independence Day, birthdays and next year's Cinco de Mayo.

Is plastic papel picado handmade?

Fiesta Wraps plastic papel picado is handcrafted in Central Mexico by skilled artisans, in traditional papel picado designs. It is made from plastic rather than tissue paper, so it isn't the delicate, single-use material of traditional tissue papel picado; it keeps the classic cut-flag look while adding waterproof durability.

What is the difference between plastic and tissue papel picado?

Plastic papel picado is waterproof with UV protection and reusable, so it suits outdoor and long-running displays; this set's banners are 18.4 ft with 16 × 12.5 in flags. Tissue paper papel picado is the traditional material, lighter and more delicate, best indoors or under cover and designed for single use. Fiesta Wraps tissue banners are 14.8 ft with 13.8 × 8.7 in flags; see both on the Mexican party supplies hub.

Does the papel picado come ready to hang?

Yes. Each of the five banners comes pre-strung on its own cord, so you only need to tie the ends to hooks, posts, railings or branches. Hooks, clips and ties are not listed as included, so have a few on hand. For outdoor use, secure both ends firmly and leave a slight sag.

Ready for May 5?

Five pre-strung plastic papel picado banners, 92 feet in all, handcrafted in Central Mexico and made to hang outdoors, then reuse next year.

Explore all Mexican party supplies