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Cinco de Mayo Activities

Mexico and the United States share a border and a history. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by introducing your students to their neighbors to the south!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, in which a few thousand ill-equipped Mexican citizens defeated a much larger army of highly trained French soldiers. Although the victory did not result in the immediate end of French occupation, many historians believe it indirectly affected the outcome of the American Civil War and led to Mexico's eventual independence. Today, people in both the United States and Mexico celebrate Cinco de Mayo -- the Fifth of May -- as a day of freedom and goodwill.

A brief description of each activity appears below. Click any headline for a complete teaching resource!
 

Where in the World Is Mexico?
Students create puzzles of a map of Mexico. (Grades Pre-K-2, 3-5)
 

Discover Mexico's Secrets
Students follow CIA procedures to discover Mexico's secrets, and then report on their findings. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)
 

The Beat of Mexico
Students learn about mariachi music and create their own rhythm instruments. (Grades Pre-K-2, 3-5)
 

A Gallery of Mexican Art
Students tour a virtual gallery of Mexican Art and create a glossary of art terms. (Grades 6-8, 9-12)
 

Mexico and Its Neighbor to the North
Students stage a debate about immigration between the United States and Mexico. (Grade 9-12)

 

Related resource

Every-Day Edit: Cinco de Mayo

 

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Updated: 04/27/2015