Parties, Kids and Cinco de Mayo - a Great Combination
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.
One of the most important aspects of the party is the dcor.
It’s essential to have great decorations for your party. Try finding lots of streamers and balloons in the colors of the Mexican flag–and incorporate at least one actual flag, while you’re at it. The number five should also be prominently displayed.
A good craft always makes a party more fun. One idea is to make sombreros with paper cups and plates. Show the children how to glue the cup in the middle of the plate, and set out decorations like pom-poms or string that they can use to dress up their hats any way they like.
Maracas Can Be Fun to Make
Another use of paper cups is to make maracas. All the children need to do is fill one cup with beans or other items that will clack together. Then just tape another cup on top of the first one (with both open ends facing together so that the items can slide between the two cups).
Make It About Mexico With a Difference
Add a Mexican twist to any standard party game for children, and it will be the perfect game for Cinco de Mayo. Using only your imagination and a little color will turn even the most basic children’s party game into something fabulous.
Giving a children’s party a south-of-the-border twist can be simple and fun. Rather than a game of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, why not play a game of “Pin the Metal on Benito Juarez, the Mexican resistance leader. Mariachi music makes musical chairs a Mexican experience, and even Pictionary takes a Mexican turn if you use Spanish words. If the children don’t know enough Spanish, acquaint them with Mexican culture by offering tacos to eat, or sombreros to wear.
Learn Some Folk Dancing
If you want to add a little extra to the activities, find some Mexican folk dancers to teach the kids traditional dances. The children will not only have fun, but will learn about Mexican heritage from the dancers. Add a little more authenticity to the experience by making (or getting) skirts for the girls and hats for the boys — this might be a fun craft activity earlier in the party.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Don’t forget that all the children will remember was the fun that was had, and not how much time and effort was put into creating the fun for them. Don’t make it too difficult, don’t let it stall, and whatever you do, don’t forget about snacks! Then you will have created the perfect Cinco de Mayo celebration for children.