Cinco de Mayo Parties for Kids
Cinco de Mayo, unlike Mother’s Day or Father’s day, is not just a holiday that is primarily promoted by the greeting card business to increase sales. Instead, it celebrates the date May 5, 1862, which was when the United States and Mexico joined forces to help Mexico defeat the French. Therefore, celebrating this holiday with children can be more than just a source of fun; it can be used to teach them about history and politics.
Don’t forget the decorations for a great party
You can’t have ordinary decorations for this party. Add to the festive Mexican atmosphere by having streamers and balloons in the Mexican flag colors. At least one Mexican flag is a must, and the number 5 (in vibrant colors, of course) should be featured about the room.
3 Children love being able to make something different and fun out of ordinary objects. Give each child a paper plate and cup with which to make their own sombero. Glue the cup to the center of the plate, and have the children add pom-poms, string or ribbon to decorate. These crafts are a fun addition to the party and they’ll have fun with their new festive hats.
Maracas Can Be Fun to Make
Paper cups can also be made to make maracas. The only thing that the kids need to do is fill one cup with any item that will make a clacking noise. Next, tape a second cup to the top of the first cup, making sure the open ends of the cups are touching, so the items can move between the two cups.
Give It a Mexican Twist
With a bit of imagination, any child’s party game can become a “juego de fiesta.” Give a traditional party game a fresh angle and some bright Mexican colors to tranfrom it into a fun Cinco de Mayo activity.
A simple way to incorporate some Hispanic culture into your games is to play musical chairs with Mariachi music. If the children are familiar with Spanish, try playing Pictionary with Spanish words or (more simply) use items that are associated with Mexico like sombreros, or tacos. Try incorporating some Mexican history into your games by playing pin the metal on Benito Juarez (ie Pin the Tail on the Donkey). Explain to the children that Benito Juarez led the Mexicans against the French and it will be a lesson that will stick with them.
Folk Dancers
If you’re looking for something fun to do at a birthday party for children, hire some Mexican folk dancers, who can teach traditional dance steps. For added fun, try to find some skirts for the girls to wear, and hats for the boys. The kids will really enjoy the cultural experience, and learn something from it, too.
Sometimes Simple Is Better
If you want to go to a lot of trouble, you can of course — but keep in mind that the children will primarily remember the fun they had with each other and not the homemade cake shaped like a five colored like the Mexican flag. The party can be quite simple. Keep the games going, and make sure there are plenty of snacks and the kids will remember it being fun (and probably learn a few things about Mexican culture in the process).