Cinco de Mayo is a great time to have a kid's party -- not only is it a lot of fun, but a great way to teach. This holiday isn't one made up by the greeting card companies, its a celebration of history. On May fifth in 1862, Mexico and the United States worked together to help Mexico get a victory against the French.



The decorations are an important part of any party

The decor is one of the most important parts of the party. The number five should be displayed prominently throughout the room, and all the colors of the Mexican flag should be represented. At least one actual Mexican flag should be included. Things will liven up by the addition of balloons and streamers.

A good craft always makes a party more fun. One idea is to make sombreros with paper cups and plates. Show the children how to glue the cup in the middle of the plate, and set out decorations like pom-poms or string that they can use to dress up their hats any way they like.

Make Some Maracas

Another use of paper cups is to make maracas. All the children need to do is fill one cup with beans or other items that will clack together. Then just tape another cup on top of the first one (with both open ends facing together so that the items can slide between the two cups).

Make It About Mexico With a Difference

Add a Mexican twist to any standard party game for children, and it will be the perfect game for Cinco de Mayo. Using only your imagination and a little color will turn even the most basic children's party game into something fabulous.

As an alternative to Pin the Tail on the Donkey, try making a game with a famous Mexican figure, like Pin the Medal on Benito Juarez (a victorious Mexican general). To give your musical chairs game a Mexican feel, play some Mariachi music as the participants walk around. Similarly, you could incorporate Spanish words into games like charades, or play Pictionary with Mexican terms (like a sombrero or an enchilada.)

Learn Some Folk Dancing

Another great activity idea is to bring in Mexican folk dancers that could show the kids how to perform a dance. To create an even more authentic atmosphere, why not provide skirts for the girls and hats for the boys? The dancers will not only provide a good time, but will also teach the children about some aspects of Mexican heritage.

Keep It Simple

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).