Cinco de Mayo means fifth of May. It is important for one area of Mexico, and has become a fun American tradition to celebrate. Here is information about the holiday and many ways we can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with teens.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
History
Originally celebrated for the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, this holiday is celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. It started in Puebla where this unlikely victory occurred, and has spread as a fun excuse to celebrate with parades, food and drinks.
The reason for the attack was Mexico was having trouble paying back war debts to European countries, and France had come to Mexico to collect that debt. France, at that time, was the largest military force, and they were looking to build up their empire, since they had just sold a huge portion of it to Thomas Jefferson in the Louisiana Purchase. Napoleon also wanted to have this base for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War-this might have resulted in a different outcome for the south had it not taken so long to win this war in Mexico.
France lost this particular battle, but eventually won the war after a few years. For five years, this area was until French control.
Things to know
It’s actually not celebrated that much in Mexico except for in the state of Puebla. A couple of things to remember when and if celebrating this holiday are: be aware of the historical significance and don’t use Spanish vocabulary inappropriately, (ie. Cinco de drinko.)
This holiday actually has been celebrated in the US since the 1860s. It started in southern California when Mexican immigrant citizens used the holiday as a way to celebrate their heritage. *This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure policy is here.
Your teen can help to plan and cook
This is a fun holiday to celebrate with teens because who doesn’t love Mexican food and drinks? And, what better way to get your teen into the kitchen than food and drink for a party! So, plan a fun party for Cinco de Mayo with teens now!
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Here are some fun ideas for ways to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with teens!
Decorations and Crafts
Here are 20 easy DIY decorations for your party
More easy DIY party decoration ideas
Easy sombreros to set out for the party
Here are some fun taco shirts….
Recipes
Snacks/Appetizers
Jalapeño poppers– my boys love these!
Drinks – You can always choose to add alcohol for the adults!
Pink lemonade virgin margaritas
Authentic horchata -this looks interesting…
Main dishes
Queso chicken -the picture alone made my mouth water!
Side dishes
Desserts
Sombrero cookies-so cute!
Cinnamon sugar tortilla surprises– these look yummy!
Praline crunch -we are trying this for sure!
Games/Activities
Minute-to-win-it games -because, it’s a party!!
I hope that you are able to put together a party celebrating Cinco de Mayo with teens and your whole family!
And, if you can’t be with your teen for Cinco de Mayo, here are some great ideas for a Taco care package!
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Here are some other holiday posts: 49 Movies for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, 25 Movies for Valentine’s Day, Best Graduation Gift Ideas, Budget Friendly Ideas for the Holidays
So much Fun! Parents can pick and choose one or more wonderful ways to illuminate history. Cinco de Mayo is my kind of quarantine holiday.
That’s kind of what I was thinking! Love an excuse to have fun in the near future. I said all month because I was thinking some evolution of this each week for us!
Thank you including our Praline Crunch! Can’t wait to check out all the other yummy recipes!!
My boys and I are excited to try all of these! I have had a few similar dishes to these, but I tried to find some unique tastes to try. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Love these tips! We’ve never celebrated this holiday before but I was just telling my husband we should do something fun for the girls since we’re all stuck at home!
I hope you had a chance to celebrate with your family! We made some yummy food!
Excellent suggestions. My kids are grown and this message *almost* made me want to have teens again!
Ha! I love Mexican food, and any excuse to celebrate:)