Once a upon a time, I walked into my son’s class as they were singing and the teacher leading them begins by saying, “Just like Mexicans do, we are going to put on our sombreros and ride our donkeys.” I seriously thought, “Oh no, she didn’t just say that,” but then I almost laughed out loud. I have been a Mexican for well over 30 years (ha, I am not going to share my age with you) and I have never owned a sombrero and much less ridden a donkey.
Let me clarify first by saying I don’t think there is anything wrong with fun sombrero and donkey activities. Really I don’t.
As my multicultural blogger friend and song writer Daria shared so beautifully, ” Perhaps it’s more about not stopping at burros and sombreros but sharing a deeper, fuller understanding of culture and cultural pride. Not seeing Mexicans (or any group) as one- dimensional stereotypes, but daring to dig deeper and see more of what makes us all who we are!”
Just a little fun facts before I share with you our fun activities:
- Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence day.
- On this day we celebrate the victory of the historical battle of 1862 between Mexico and France.
- This holiday is a symbol of Mexican pride and unity and includes great festivities, not to mention delicious food!
- It is celebrated in regional parts of Mexico, but has also found a special place in the hearts of our friends in the United States.
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, I am hoping that these activities will inspire you to go past busting out the donkey and sombrero activities this year. Below I am sharing with you a few ideas that have helped me and hopefully help school teachers and parents think outside the box when coming up with Cinco de Mayo activities.
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Fun Crafts and Activities for Cinco de Mayo 1 of 16All the activities shared have historical details in the post providing a wonderful educational opportunity.
Mexican Wall Art Craft for Kids 2 of 16Kids can experience the repajado method using simple items around your house.
Mexican Wall Art
Make your own Mexican Pyramid 3 of 16Using Moon Sand you can make your own Mexican pyramids imitating the Mayans.
Make Your Own Mayan Pyramids
Mexican games your kids will enjoy! 4 of 16A little cultural fun with some games for the kids.
Mexican Traditional Games
Rice and Bean Pretend Play 5 of 16Sensory bin ideas and pretend play fun.
Rice and Bean Sensory Play
Forget the maracas bring out the Guiro 6 of 16Make this easy instrument used in Latin America.
Make Your Own Guiro
Mexican book fun! 7 of 16Learn some culture as you enjoy this story.
Mexican Book Fun
Mexican Flag Art 8 of 16Have you heard of toilet paper roll printing? Your child will love it!
Mexican Flag Fun for Toddlers
A list of Bilingual Books 9 of 16Books are a great way to teach un poquito of Spanish and culture.
Bilingual Book List
Mini Piñata 10 of 16Mini PiÃ±ata from plastic cups. Find out how to make your own.
DIY Mini PiÃ±ata
God’s Eye Craft 11 of 16This is an oldy but goody craft your kids will enjoy.
Ojo de Dios Craft
DIY Mexican Style Jewelry 12 of 16Now you can make your own cuff bracelet with a little Mexican flair!
Mexican Inspired Jewelry
Mexican Flag Craft 13 of 16Explore Mexico's flag with this easy craft.
Straw Mexican Flag Craft
DIY Mexican Folk Art Dishes Using Permanent Markers 14 of 16Yup, all you need is 2 items to create your very own Mexican folk art dishes!
DIY Mexican Folk Art Bowls
Mexican Artist Diego Rivera 15 of 16Enjoy discovering mural painting while learning about the great Mexican artist.
Painting Like Diego
Papel Picado Craft 16 of 16Papel picado template and craft.
Papel Picado Craft
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