Where guacamole goes, there IS the party.

For Cinco de Mayo, be sure to sink the mayo — purists say the twain should never meet. Start with perfectly ripe avocado, lime juice, cilantro and a bit of chopped onion. Some guacamole aficionados stop there. Others spike it with chopped tomato and a sprinkling of chili powder, too.

Where to get the best ingredients is easy: Mercado de la Raza, 1315 S. Beretania, 593-2226 (the owner might be at the Murphy's block party today), or check out It's Chili in Hawaii, 2080 S. King, Suite 101; 945-7070.

MARTHA HERNANDEZ'S GUACAMOLE

First, pick a perfect avocado. Our resident guacamole maker, Graphics Editor Martha Hernandez, prefers Hass avocados for her creation. "They're creamier," she reports. When avocados are ready for guacamole, they give a little but shouldn't be mushy. (If you buy them hard, ripen them in a brown paper bag in a cool, dark spot. Check daily for readiness, since the window for perfect ripeness is not forgiving.)

Cut avocados in half, remove seed and scoop pulp into a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash it. Chop onion, tomatoes, garlic, peppers to your desired heat level and cilantro. Add to avocado. Squeeze lime juice and add salt to taste.

Refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with chips (she likes the heft of Tostitos Gold).

FIESTA!

Today, catch these Cinco de Mayo-related events:

Murphy's Mele on Cinco de Mayo, with keiki festival (2-5 p.m.), entertainment by Mariachi Loco, Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii, Son Caribe and more; 5 p.m.; Merchant Street and around Murphy's Bar & Grill; free; 531-0422.

Cinco de Mayo celebration, with Brazillian Connection Band, Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii; 4 p.m.;

Aloha Tower Marketplace stage; free; www.alohatower.com.

A FIVE GAME:

The Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl, Ravenchase Adventures scavenger and treasure hunt; 5:55 p.m.; a clue will be sent with starting location; $40 kama'aina, $50; 203-8963, 588-8862.

Cinco De Mayo party; 4 p.m.-closing; Don Ho's Island Grill; 528-0807.

Cinco De Mayo party, with an Elephant; 9 p.m.; Tropics, 572 Kailua Road; 262-3343.

La Bomba! Cinco De Mayo celebration with Paper Doll Revue Drag Show and Men of Fusion male revue; 9:45 p.m.; Fusion Waikiki; 924-2422.