Fun Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Kids

A colorful pinata hangs outdoors.Photo byNikonUnsplash

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for fifth of May) is a celebration marking the victory of the Mexican army under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which officially happens on September 16, a bigger deal is made of it in the US than in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo is a great time to introduce children to the culture and heritage of Mexico.

Play Traditional Mexican Games

Children will enjoy playing these traditional Mexican games that have US counterparts.

• Avioncito (Hop Scotch)
• Congelados (Freeze Tag)
• Papa Caliente (Hot Potato)

Be sure to call the games by their Spanish names.

Learn Spanish

Introducing a few Spanish words and phrases is a fun way to foster an interest in languages.

Hola. Hello.

Como esta? How are you?

Como te llamas? What's your name?

Que hora es? What time is it?

Eat Tacos

Most children love tacos. Let them make their own by putting out taco shells and ingredients like meat, cheese, chopped tomatoes, and diced avocadoes.

Listen to Mexican Music

Streaming services like Pandora and Spotify provide us with music from around the world whenever we care to listen to it. Pick a Mexican music channel with kids's songs or happy, uplifting tunes and dance, dance, dance.

Don't Forget the Pinata

Pinatas are so much fun and they can be found at party and sometimes discount stores. Buy a pretty one for your Mexican celebration.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!