Cinco de Mayo is a festive and fun holiday celebrated on the 5th of May. It commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although it’s not a major holiday in Mexico, it has become a popular celebration in the United States, especially in areas with a significant Mexican-American population.
As a parent, celebrating Cinco de Mayo with your kids is a great way to introduce them to Mexican culture and history. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate with your little ones.
Make Mexican-inspired crafts
One of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your kids is to make some Mexican-inspired crafts. You can make paper flowers, papel picado, or even piñatas. You can find many tutorials and ideas online or at your local craft store.
Cook traditional Mexican dishes
Cooking traditional Mexican dishes is another great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your kids. You can make tacos, guacamole, salsa, or even churros. Let your kids help you in the kitchen and teach them about the history and significance of each dish.
Learn about the history of Cinco de Mayo
Take the opportunity to teach your children about the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo. You can read books or watch videos together to learn about the Battle of Puebla and why it’s important to Mexican culture.
Dress up in traditional Mexican attire
Let your kids dress up in traditional Mexican clothing such as sombreros, ponchos, or dresses. This will add to the festive atmosphere and help them feel connected to the culture.
Listen to Mexican music
Playing traditional Mexican music and encouraging your kids to dance and sing along is another fun way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. You can introduce them to popular Mexican artists such as Selena or Vicente Fernandez.
Have a piñata party
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a piñata! You can either buy a pre-made piñata or make one with your kids. Fill it with candy and small toys for a fun surprise.
Watch a Mexican movie
Finding a family-friendly movie that celebrates Mexican culture and history is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Coco, The Book of Life, or Beverly Hills Chihuahua are some good options.
Learn Spanish phrases
Teaching your children some basic Spanish phrases such as “hola” (hello), “adios” (goodbye), and “gracias” (thank you) will not only be fun but also a useful skill to have.
Have a cultural exchange
Encourage your children to learn about the different cultures and traditions of their classmates or friends. You can organize a cultural exchange where everyone brings a dish or shares something about their culture.
Donate to a Mexican charity
Finally, use Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to teach your children about giving back. Research and donate to a Mexican charity or organization that helps those in need.