Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Bring Cinco de Mayo to Your Classroom!

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Cinco de Mayo, which literally translates into May 5, is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Over the years, many people have come to believe, mistakenly, that this holiday is a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the outnumbered Mexican army over France at the Battle of Puebla, in 1862. This victory was short-lived, and French forces eventually gained control of the country, occupying it until 1867.

Nowhere in Mexico are Cinco de Mayo celebrations more colorful than in the province of Puebla, where the battle took place. They include fiestas, dancing, decorations, food, and brightly colored dresses. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is specially celebrated in states such as Texas and Southern California.

How can you bring Cinco de Mayo to life for your students?

· Review Lesson 20, Fiesta, from Spanish Is Fun, Book 1 to help students learn vocabulary related to celebrations and food.
 
· Play a video explaining the significance the Cinco de Mayo celebration.
 
· Bring some authentic Mexican dishes (tamales, chiles rellenos) to enjoy with students.
 
· Decorate your classroom Mexican style with piƱatas, sombreros, maracas, and other decorations that include the Mexican flag’s colors.
 
· Bring Mexican music such as cumbia.
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

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