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I’m not sure if it’s everybody else or just me. But I haven’t seemed to be able to lose my child-like excitement about holidays.

(I haven’t been able to lose many child-like attributes, some of which I like to think of as delightfully endearing; some of which might indicate some sort of Peter Pan complex, but I digress.)

Christmas gets me worked up like a little girl, although once upon a time it was the receiving of presents that stoked my fires.

Now it’s more the giving. I still get caught up in the weird, goofy anticipation right up ‘til the magic day, when my family and I spend hours opening gifts. The rest of the day, I am usually on the floor, commandeering whatever cool toys my nieces and nephews received. (I am willing to share, though!)

And Halloween? Forget about it. If there’s anything better than being allowed to dress up in costume and go places without mockery, it’s staying home and watching adorable little kiddies come to your door bursting with pride and excitement in their disguises, asking for candy like the greedy little beggars we all become on October 31.

I am especially intrigued by the holidays we have appropriated from other cultures, holidays not our own, but which we have decided are a great excuse to party.

I’m thinking of St. Paddy’s Day, when we all pretend we are Irish, and the recent blowout of Cinco de Mayo, when we all pretend we are Mexican.

Every year I head out on Cinco de Mayo for the column, recalling the supersized throwdown parties of my younger years in Atlanta and New York City. And every year, I am stunned by the sheer non-eventness of the holiday in our area.

Hey, people, where are the mariachi bands? Where is the salsa music? More important, where are the bucketloads of margaritas and Mexican beer, the delicious Mexican cuisine spilling over our plates?

Well, this year, at least, some of that could be found at LaGrotta’s restaurant, where Latin jazz band Fantasia entertained with authentic Spanish-culture music and owner/chef Elena LaGrotta replaced the usual Italian fare with an all-Mexican menu.

The party at LaGrotta’s turned out to be as intimate as their cozy space. The two-man band set up outside on the appealing brick patio, as we patrons huddled gamely underneath umbrellaed tables while the rain drizzled down.

No one complained — we needed the rain too badly. The umbrellas fulfilled their duties and the music and company were far too enjoyable for us to be grumpy.

Fantasia derives its authentic sound from its two members: Tony Tango (perhaps not his real name, but a fine and catchy thing) hails originally from Cuba, by way of New Jersey. Max Montreal (these are either band pseudonyms or male-dancer monikers) is from Cuba and Panama.

On keys, sax and flute, the two create a world of music — literally. Their influences can be heard in their set list: driving Cuban rhythms, sultry salsa, smooth Latin jazz, and even polka. (Yes, I said it: polka.)

Some of it you’ll recognize — The Girl from Ipanema, What a Difference a Day Makes, even Mambo No.5.

Some of it you won’t recognize: instrumentals that leave you swaying rather than singing — although there are plenty of sing-along moments when the band gets the audience cranking.

And they do plenty of that. One dancing woman picked up maracas that happened to be on a table. (Coincidence? I think not.) One gent kept his seat, but only barely, bopping and bouncing as though he was on springs. The entire crowd joined in on some songs and clapping along was de rigueur.

Tony Tango plays sax and flute — he’ll even sing if you ask nicely, in a pleasantly graveled tone.

Max Montreal (admit it, the names are fun to say!) accompanies Tony Tango on keys, drawing a wealth of sounds from his instrument that renders each song a little different.

Rumor has it he plays the sax, but you might have to wheedle that out of him.

The duo also plays at the Ritz in Naples, as well as the Hyatt Coconut Point, La Playa Beach Resort, conventions and private gigs.

LaGrotta’s managing partner Chris Crouse says he’ll be bringing the two back regularly during the summer season, and they play the restaurant again for Mother’s Day from 5 to 10 p.m. in case you want to serenade yo’ mama while you treat her to a tasty Italian meal.

As for me, I’m gearing right back up into holiday mode: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Flag Day are right around the corner!

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Send me your ideas, suggestions, feedback, or random compliments at tiffanythescribe@msn.com!