In a matter of days, Cinco de Mayo celebrations will once again fill communities all over the United States with vibrant colors, delicious food, captivating dances, genial attitudes, beautiful songs—an overall infectious good time.
Despite some misconceptions, Cinco de Mayo does not celebrate Mexican Independence Day, a status the country achieved more than 50 years prior to the events for the holiday, which celebrates a major battlefield victory in 1862 in a war with the French.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo isn’t a major holiday outside of the state where the battle took place, but it has become one in the United States, especially in areas with a large ethnically Mexican population. As USA Today reported, its popularity grew in this country during the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s, as activists linked their own struggle for cultural recognition with that of 19th century Mexicans fighting against a foreign power.
For American schools, there’s plenty of ways to observe the holiday, whether it’s a Mexican-themed lunch, or having a traditional Mexican performance put on for the students to enjoy. School systems use the holiday to celebrate their Mexican American staff, students, and overall community.
Here’s how various districts and schools teach about this historic day and make it an opportunity for fun.
Learning through food and games
✈️ Mrs. Thompson’s kindergarten class embarked on a journey to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Our little travelers explored Mexican traditions, diving into activities like posing for family photos, reading “Chicks and Salsa,” and making their own salsa. 💙 💛 #TheWarriorWay pic.twitter.com/McCK00Oc1D
— Ontario Schools (@SchoolsOntario) May 13, 2024
Our Spanish I-III classes delved into the rich history behind the Cinco de Mayo holiday! 🎉 Some lucky students even got to crack open ‘cascarones’ – eggshells filled with confetti – over their willing classmates’ heads! #rollblue #GrowingTogether pic.twitter.com/MU2E9MBFJw
— Dike-New Hartford Community Schools (@DNHSchools) May 8, 2024
Traditional dances and a classic Mariachi band
Students and staff at Loring Elementary School celebrated with the community on Friday, singing songs in Spanish and performing traditional dances while wearing handcrafted costumes.
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!#MPSProud#cincodemayo pic.twitter.com/rBjIJw9aHL
— Minneapolis Public Schools (@MPS_News) May 6, 2024
We had a special treat to spice up our Cinco de Mayo celebration year! Mrs. Gonzales, with help from our PTA, brought the heart and soul of Mexico to our school!!! Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!!! pic.twitter.com/wgZ6Os2bdY
— Frenship Middle School (@FrenshipMS) May 3, 2024
San Marcos High School’s Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel visited each campus on Friday, May 3 for an early Cinco de Mayo celebration! Thank you to our mariachi program for your wonderful performances, and encouraging our Rattlers about taking part in the program in the future! #RattlerUp pic.twitter.com/u2MJceWW3L
— San Marcos CISD (@SanMarcosCISD) May 3, 2024
A little bit of everything
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS: Our schools did an amazing job celebrating Cinco de Mayo! 🎉 Students learned about the history and culture of Mexico, participated in fun activities, and enjoyed incredible student performances. pic.twitter.com/5trFPe9jiY
— Westminster SD (@westminstersd) May 6, 2024
Many #SAUSD schools joined the festivities of Cinco de Mayo, hosting vibrant celebrations. Take a glimpse into the lively fiesta brought to life at Edison ES! #Repost – Our Edison @ecesausd scholars really set the tone for this weekend’s Cinco de Mayo festivities! #WeAreSAUSD pic.twitter.com/xmN0UxJbPO
— Santa Ana USD (@SantaAnaUSD) May 6, 2024
