Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
In other words, Happy Cinco de Mayo or Happy 5th of May!
Tell Me More About Why We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is originally a Mexican holiday that celebrates their victory over the French way back in 1862. On this day in that year, the 5th of May, the Mexicans defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. This battle occurred in Mexico, in a location that is Southeast of Mexico City.
Tell Me How this Holiday is Typically Celebrated
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that is primarily celebrated in Mexico but it has become increasingly popular in the United States in the past few years! Hopefully, this is a sign that the Mexican and American cultures are coinciding together and that we are becoming more aware of and appreciative of other cultures.
In the state of Puebla, this day is honored through parades, dances, speeches, and even people reenacting that battle in 1862. Those who celebrate often wear colorful clothes, listen to popular Mexican folk music (otherwise known as mariachi), and eat popular Mexican foods…such as guacamole or tacos! This is also a day in which Mexican immigrants in the United States celebrate pride in their original Mexican heritage. Therefore, we can say that this holiday celebrates the battle in history but it also celebrates the beautiful Mexican culture!
Tell Me What I Can Do to Celebrate Today with my Kids
Whether you yourself are of Mexican descent or you just want to recognize Mexico, its culture, and its people on this special day, we have some ideas for you and your own children:
- Replicate the Mexican flag. Look up what Mexico’s flag looks like and have your child use their creativity and artistic supplies to make their own version of this flag.
- Research the country of Mexico. Do a quick (or even a more lengthy!) internet search with your child. You can have them jot down notes or you can write down some information that you find. Encourage your child to share these facts that they learned about Mexico with someone else in your family.
- Learn some Spanish! Do a quick YouTube search of Spanish speaking lessons for young learners. See if your child can learn some useful words or phrases in this other language! You can even try to speak some phrases back and forth to each other. Try to remember these new words and phrases by using them often throughout the month of May and beyond! Is there a Spanish speaker you know that your child can even practice this vocabulary with?
- Have a delicious snack or dinner with tacos, chips and guacamole, or other popular Mexican foods and dishes. As you’re eating, have a discussion with your children about the Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican culture. Enjoy!
Regardless of if you are of Mexican heritage or not, there is value and many benefits to exposing yourself to other countries and cultures…and the same goes for your children! If you’d like further support with doing so, reach out to our academic advisors at Dailies and we will be more than happy to encourage you in this endeavor.
