I don’t know about you,
but I LOVE Cinco De Mayo!
For many years we have celebrated the day with gatherings with friends, yummy food and drinks, and beautiful BRIGHT colors! For me, it was also kind of the most perfect kick-off to summer!
I still feel that way, but this year, wanted to learn a little bit more about WHY we celebrate.
In the US, Cinco de Mayo is pretty much a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and it’s so much fun. Some people might have been told that it’s the day to remember Mexican Independence Day, but that is not the case. (Side note: Día de la Independencia is celebrated on September 16th.)
According to History.com, Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of indigenous Mexicans (such as Juárez) over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.
Today, we mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, and traditional foods such as tacos and margaritas (obviously!)
My family is planning to celebrate in a few fun ways today.
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GET SCHOOLED
We will talk about the WHY. This is a perfect lesson for homeschool today! For my younger kiddo, I will keep it super simple, but for my teen, we will expand into Mexican Independence Day as well. Here are some other fun facts that you can share with your kiddos. watch a few videos and listen to mariachi music while we do a fun craft.
GET CREATIVE
One of the things I have ALWAYS loved about Cinco de Mayo are the vibrant decorations, colorful clothing, and bold music! We are going to create our own decorations today. Our Pinterest board is FULL of craft ideas, but if you want to keep it simple: grab these fun Pop Art inspired coloring sheets from TpT.
GET COOKING
The foooood, oh sweet friends….the food! My family is PUMPED for our feast today: tacos, enchiladas, chips and salsa, rice and beans, and, of course, sopapillas for dessert! Oh – and we cannot forget – the world’s best guacamole! {This was the guac that converted me from “meh” to “obsessed” when it came to guac. My mouth is watering just thinking about my upcoming lunch of chips & guac. 😉 }
However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a FUN and COLORFUL day! Be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook so we can share your fun celebrations – and let us know in the comments if you have any special traditions or favorite recipes!
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