Cinco de Mayo, unlike Mother's Day or Father's day, is not just a holiday that is primarily promoted by the greeting card business to increase sales. Instead, it celebrates the date May 5, 1862, which was when the United States and Mexico joined forces to help Mexico defeat the French. Therefore, celebrating this holiday with children can be more than just a source of fun; it can be used to teach them about history and politics.

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.

3 Children love being able to make something different and fun out of ordinary objects. Give each child a paper plate and cup with which to make their own sombero. Glue the cup to the center of the plate, and have the children add pom-poms, string or ribbon to decorate. These crafts are a fun addition to the party and they'll have fun with their new festive hats.

Making Maracas is Easy

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).

Give It a Mexican Twist

With a bit of imagination, any child's party game can become a "juego de fiesta." Give a traditional party game a fresh angle and some bright Mexican colors to tranfrom it into a fun Cinco de Mayo activity.

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.)

Folk Dancers

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.

It Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

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).