Not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16th, Cinco de Mayo is a special day celebrated on the 5th of May each year in Mexico and many parts of the United States. This holiday has a rich history and cultural significance that is celebrated with music, dance, and delicious food.
History of Cinco de Mayo: |
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. The battle was fought between the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, and the French army, which had invaded Mexico. Despite being outnumbered, the Mexican army defeated the French, and the battle became a symbol of Mexican pride and unity.
Why is it important: |
Cinco de Mayo is important because it celebrates Mexican culture, heritage, and pride. The holiday also reminds people of the bravery and strength of the Mexican people, who fought for their independence and freedom. In addition, Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of the Mexican-American community's contributions to the United States.
Fun ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with family: |
- Cook a traditional Mexican meal: Get your family together and cook a delicious Mexican meal, like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. You can also make some traditional Mexican drinks, like margaritas or horchata. Check out our Cinco de Mayo Feast Recipes, also Twist on Taco Tuesday, and Delicious Fish Tacos.
- Decorate your home: Decorate your home with Mexican flags, colorful banners, and papel picado (cut paper banners). You can also make your own piñata and fill it with candies and small toys.
- Watch a Mexican movie: Sit down with your family and watch a Mexican movie, like "Coco" or "The Book of Life". You can also watch a movie about Mexican history, like "Pancho Villa" or "Frida".
- Learn a traditional Mexican dance: Teach your family a traditional Mexican dance, like the Mexican Hat Dance or the Salsa. You can also put on some Mexican music and have a dance party.
- Play traditional Mexican games: Play some traditional Mexican games with your family, like Lotería (Mexican bingo), or Piñata. You can also have a Mexican-themed game night with games like Mexican Train Dominoes, Cactus, or Toma Todo.
Even better, you can decide to learn a new language as a family and choose to educate yourself and your kiddos in Spanish through DuoLingo or Babbel.
Cinco de Mayo is a wonderful holiday that celebrates Mexican culture, heritage, and pride. It's a great opportunity for families to come together and celebrate with delicious food, music, dance, and games. So, gather your family and celebrate this special day together!
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