Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you may not know much about this celebration. I plan on fixing that with breaking down what Cinco de Mayo is, why you should celebrate it with your kids, and even some fun activities and more to get you started.
When is Cinco de Mayo?
Despite what you may think, Cinco de Mayon is not the same day as Mexican Independence Day. That day is celebrated on September 15th. Cinco day Mayo falls on the 5th of May.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is not an actual American Holiday but it is celebrated, more here than in Mexico. In Mexico, the larger celebration is their Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is a day set aside to celebrate the courage of the Mexican people during the battle La Batalla de Pueblo on May 5, 1862. On this day Mexican soldiers defeated the Mexican traitors and French Army at Puebla Mexico.
This victory did not win the war but became a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. Today, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has become highly commercialized. It is known as a time for fun and dance. It is also a celebration of Mexican culture, food, music, and beverage.
The holiday is most celebrated in California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. Why?
- Texas was annexed to the United States in 1845, which led to the Mexican-American war.
- The other three states were annexed from Mexico in 1848 following the US victory in that war.
- Despite the war, all of these states continue to have close ties to the people and culture of Mexico.
The town of Puebla, the site of the battle, has the most extravagant and colorful celebration in Mexico OR the United States. They celebrate with large festivities as well as with a reenactment of the battle.
Why Should I Celebrate it With My Kids?
So, why should you celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your kids? Here are a few things to consider:
- It is a great way to educate them on the heritage of Mexican Americans.
- You can study important icons, events, and people from the time period.
- You can introduce your children to Mexican food, dance, and music.
- It shows them that you value other cultures.
So, how will you be celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year? If you need some ideas and suggestions check out the resources below.
Resources for Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
- Cinco de Mayo Video for Kids
- Sesame Street Cinco de Mayo Video
- Cinco de Mayo Activities and Games
- Cinco de Mayo Crafts for Kids
- Cinco de Mayo Worksheets and Coloring Pages
- Cinco de May Celebration for Kids
- The Top 5 Cinco de May Activities for your Elementary Classroom
- Cinco de Mayo Crafts and Snacks for Kids