Niecy Nash is reflecting on traveling to Mexico for her 56th birthday as violence erupted after the killing of infamous cartel leader "El Mencho"
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U.S. tourists were advised to shelter in place after a Mexican military operation killed "El Mencho" on Sunday, Feb. 22
"That's why you have to take every moment to celebrate joy, celebrate life," Nash tells PEOPLE after her return from Mexico
Niecy Nashis grateful to celebrate with her loved ones after being in Mexico whenviolence eruptedafter the killing of cartel leader Nemesi Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho."
On Friday, March 13, the Emmy-winning actress and producer held a belated 56th birthday party in Los Angeles, two weeks after she celebrated her big day in Mexico.
"I celebrate my birthday for three weeks. So, people are like, 'I thought your birthday passed.' I'm like, 'And so? And did?' " the actress jokingly tells PEOPLE at theMichael Jordan-themed bash, which was produced by WP Miller Special Events and held at the SLS Beverly Hills.
Nash has good reason to celebrate. On Feb. 25, two days after her Feb. 23 birthday, theGrotesqueriealum shared a post toInstagramsaying, "FINALLY‼️ Home from Puerto Vallarta 😳Went to celebrate my bday with my family, and got caught up in the cartel attacks!"
The video showed herself, her mother,her three children, their close friends and her wifeJessica Betts. It was intended to serve as a "thank you" to everyone who "covered us in prayer, sent well wishes, made calls to the US Embassy and shared your connects to get us out!"
Together in the airport, the group sang theGolden Girlstheme song, "Thank You for Being a Friend," and claimed to have some unfriendly encounters with locals who turned them away from food and refused to refund money.
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"Challenges for sure showed up BUT GOD! 🙏🏾 Black people are so resilient! One thing for sure, two things for certain We. Will. Keep. Our. JOY! In the middle that packed airport where so many were frustrated over cancelled flights, long lines, and minimal seating , our joy was on full display!" she wrote.
Reflecting on the situation at her Los Angeles party, Nash tells PEOPLE, "It was scary because I let my kids bring their friends so I had other people's children. It was scary, but we got out unscathed … thanks to the Most High."
"That's why you have to take every moment to celebrate joy, celebrate life, all the things," she says.
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Ava DuVernay,Winnie Harlow,Kandi Burruss,Jeannie Mai,Jasmine Crockett,Bozoma Saint John, and Nash's Oscar-nominatedAll's FaircostarTeyana Taylorwere just some of the people who showed up and showed out for theReno 911!actress.
The sports-focused celebration also featured a performance from the 40 Plus Double Dutch Club, which let Nash take a turn hopping between the ropes as those around her cheered her on.
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