Cinco de Mayo: History, Crafts, and Free Printable Worksheets for Kids

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that is celebrated in Mexico and the United States. While many people associate Cinco de Mayo with festive parades, vibrant music, and delicious food, it also holds significant historical and cultural significance. 

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, it presents a wonderful chance for parents to educate their little ones about Mexico's vibrant culture and traditions in an enjoyable manner. With that in mind, let's begin!

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day (which is actually celebrated on September 16). Rather, it commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

At the time, France was one of the world's most powerful military forces, and the Mexican Army was widely seen as the underdog. However, through courage, strategy, and sheer determination, the Mexican Army successfully defended their country and emerged victorious.

When is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

Cinco de Mayo literally translates to the “fifth of May” in Spanish.

Where is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in Mexico and the United States, although it is also observed in other parts of the world with significant Mexican populations.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mainly celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the Battle of Puebla took place.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular holiday, particularly in areas with large Mexican American populations. 

Cinco de Mayo is also celebrated in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean, with significant Mexican populations. Overall, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that is celebrated in many parts of the world wherever there is a strong connection to Mexican culture and heritage.

How is the Cinco de Mayo holiday celebrated?

Many cities with large Mexican American populations hold parades and festivals featuring traditional Mexican music, dance, and food. Some popular activities include eating traditional Mexican dishes like Mole poblano, Tamales, Chalupas, Tacos, Guacamole, and Salsa.

Some people decorate their homes or businesses with Mexican flags and colors, and some schools organize educational activities to teach kids about Mexican culture and history.

How to explain Cinco de Mayo to kids?

Now that we know the historical context behind Cinco de Mayo, it's time to think about how to explain this holiday to kids. Here are a few tips to get started:

Start with the basics

• Begin by explaining what Cinco de Mayo means
• Tell them why we celebrate the holiday
• Use age-appropriate language, and keep your explanations simple and straightforward.

Talk about the importance of courage and perseverance

• The Battle of Puebla was an inspiring moment in Mexican history, as it demonstrated that even the most seemingly impossible challenges could be overcome with courage and perseverance.
• Highlight the bravery and determination of the Mexican Army, and encourage your kids to see these qualities as admirable and worthy of emulation.

Talk about Mexico’s culture and traditions

• Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican culture, so be sure to incorporate cultural elements into your explanation. 
• This can include playing Mexican music, preparing traditional Mexican foods, and even learning a few Spanish words and phrases.

Celebrate the holiday

Finally, it's important to emphasize that Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration and joy.

You can celebrate this holiday with your kids by doing fun Cinco de Mayo activities and crafts:

Read: Crafting a Fiesta: Fun and Easy Cinco de Mayo Crafts for Kids

A few Cinco de Mayo activities and crafts for kids include: Cute cactus craft, Cinco de Mayo maraca, and an Awesome Cinco de Mayo board game for kids.

Another way to have a fun and educational Cinco de Mayo celebration is by using free printable worksheets with a Cinco de Mayo theme.

Read: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With our Free Printable Worksheets

Your little one might still be too young to understand the essence of this holiday, but they can become familiar with the Cinco de Mayo fiesta with free printable worksheets. These worksheets can also be a great way to hone your little one’s cognitive abilities and improve their reading, writing, and math skills. 

So to conclude, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that holds both historical and cultural significance and a great opportunity for parents to teach kids about Mexican culture and traditions.

Engaging in Cinco de Mayo-themed crafts and activities, such as fun worksheets, can be an enjoyable way for kids to learn more about Mexican culture and develop their cognitive skills. By gaining a deeper understanding of the holiday's significance, kids can develop a greater appreciation for Mexico's rich history and cultural heritage.

At byjuslearning.com, we provide curriculum-aligned, grade-level learning experiences for kids between ages 4 to 8, helping them build on skills they learn in school.