Have a Cinco de Mayo Kid's Party

By: Martin R. Williams

Cinco de Mayo, or the 5th of May, is a valid holiday, and not one that was made up by the greeting card business in order to sell more product. Long ago, the United States worked with Mexico and together they led Mexico to victory against the French on May 5, 1862. It's still celebrated to this day. And isn't the best celebration one that involves putting together a party for children where they can have fun and learn about history in the meantime?

Don't forget the decorations for a great party

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.

Any party will be more enjoyable when you add a craft project. Each child could make a sombrero using only paper cups and paper plates. Simply tape the cup to the center of the plate, and the child can decorate it however they see fit. If you'd like, you can provide string, glitter, pom-poms or any other little thing that can be glued or taped on, so each child can create their own unique party hat.

Making Maracas is Easy

You can also make maracas with paper cups. Simply have the kids fill one cup with beans or something else that clacks when they come together, and then tape a second cup on top of the first one. The open ends of the cups should face each other, letting the items slide between the cups.

Keep It All About Mexico

Most children's party games could easily be turned into a fun Cinco de Mayo game with a little imagination. The ordinary can be turned into the extraordinary with just a few small twists.

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 Dancing Demonstration

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.

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).

Article Source: http://www.yesparenting.com/articles

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