Posted on May 6, 2024

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to celebrate Mexican culture with your little ones. 

Get ready for a day filled with creativity, laughter, and family bonding as you embark on these exciting preschool crafts together. 

From colorful piñatas to maracas that make music, these hands-on activities will bring the spirit of Cinco de Mayo to life in your home.

Let's dive into it!

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is an annual celebration observed on May 5th. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day but rather commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 

Although Mexico eventually fell to the French and the victory was short-lived, the Battle of Puebla remains a symbol of Mexican resilience and patriotism. 

While Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla in Mexico, it has evolved into a widely recognized holiday in the United States, especially in regions with large Mexican-American populations. The holiday serves as a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, history, and heritage, featuring parades, traditional music and dance, delicious food, and colorful decorations.

Why Celebrate Mexican Culture with Fun Activities

Cinco de Mayo is not only a day of historical significance but also a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Adding fun activities to this traditional Mexican celebration can enhance the festive spirit and create lasting memories for families. 

Here are several reasons why incorporating fun into Cinco de Mayo festivities is important:

• Cultural Appreciation: Engaging in enjoyable activities allows participants, especially preschoolers, to develop a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture and traditions.
• Educational Opportunities: Fun and interactive crafts and games provide educational opportunities to learn about the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo in an enjoyable way.
• Family Bonding: Participating in festive activities as a family fosters bonding and strengthens relationships, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
• Creativity and Expression: Crafting and creative activities encourage children to express themselves artistically while learning about Mexican culture.
• Community Engagement: Festive celebrations bring communities together, promoting unity and camaraderie among neighbors and friends.

By infusing fun into traditional Mexican celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, families can create enriching experiences that celebrate culture, foster learning, and strengthen bonds. Let's explore seven festive Cinco de Mayo preschool crafts to add joy and creativity to your festivities.

7 Festive Cinco de Mayo Preschool Crafts

Make this Cinco de Mayo celebration memorable for your little ones with these engaging and educational preschool crafts. From colorful decorations to traditional Mexican symbols, these crafts will add excitement and creativity to your festivities.

1. Mini Piñatas

Piñatas are a staple of Mexican celebrations, symbolizing the breaking of barriers and the triumph of good over evil. These mini piñatas are perfect for little hands to create and enjoy.

Instructions

• Inflate small balloons.
• Dip strips of newspaper in a glue mixture and layer them over the balloons.
• Once dry, pop the balloons and fill the piñatas with treats.

2. Sombrero Craft

Let your little ones embrace Mexican culture by creating their own mini sombreros. These iconic hats are a fun way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and learn about traditional Mexican attire.

Instructions

• Cut a circle out of colored paper for the brim of the sombrero.
• Cut a smaller circle out of a different color for the top of the hat.
• Glue the smaller circle onto the center of the larger circle.
• Decorate the sombrero with markers, sequins, or stickers.

3. Maracas

Get ready to make some noise with homemade maracas! These colorful instruments are easy to make and perfect for little ones to shake along to the music.

Instructions

• Fill small plastic bottles with rice or dried beans.
• Seal the bottles tightly with a lid.
• Decorate the bottles with colorful tape, paint, or stickers.
• Shake and enjoy the festive sounds of your homemade maracas!

4. Papel Picado

Papel picado, or Mexican paper cutting, is a traditional folk art that adds a festive touch to any celebration. Let your little ones practice their fine motor skills while creating beautiful paper decorations.

Instructions

• Fold colored tissue paper accordion-style.
• Use scissors to cut out shapes along the folded edge.
• Carefully unfold the paper to reveal the intricate designs.
• Hang your papel picado around the house to add a colorful flair to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

5. Cactus Handprint Craft

Create adorable cactus characters using your child's handprints! This simple craft is a great way to incorporate nature-themed elements into your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Instructions

• Paint your child's hand green and press it onto a piece of paper to create the cactus shape.
• Once dry, use markers to add details like spines, flowers, and faces to the handprint.
• Cut out the cactus shape and glue it onto a colored background for display.

6. Serpentines

Serpentines, or paper streamers, are a fun and colorful way to decorate for Cinco de Mayo. Let your little ones get creative with different colors and patterns to make their own festive decorations.

Instructions

• Cut long strips of colored paper.
• Fold the strips accordion-style to create a zigzag pattern.
• Attach multiple strips together to create longer serpentines.
• Hang the serpentines around your home or outdoor space for a festive touch.

7. Fiesta Banner

Create a vibrant fiesta banner to decorate your home for Cinco de Mayo! This simple craft allows kids to practice their cutting and coloring skills while adding a festive touch to your celebration.

Instructions

• Cut triangles out of colored paper to create the banner flags.
• Decorate each flag with markers, stickers, or glitter.
• Punch holes in the top corners of each flag.
• String the flags onto a length of ribbon or twine, alternating colors as desired.
• Hang your fiesta banner in a prominent place to add a pop of color to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Related: Why Support Local Artisans: The Benefits of Handcrafted Goods

Final Words

This Cinco de Mayo, let your creativity soar with these festive preschool crafts. Not only will you and your little ones have a blast making them, but you'll also create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. 

At Two Anointed Hands, we understand the importance of creativity and cultural appreciation in early childhood development. Our handcrafted products, including T-shirts, hoodies, jewelry, and greeting cards, are perfect for gifting on this special occasion. Make your gift even more meaningful by adding one of our handmade greeting cards, available in a variety of designs. 

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Let's make this Cinco de Mayo memorable for your family. For more information about our products, contact us today at [email protected].