Image Credit: juan carlos arellano
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on the 5th of May each year in Mexico and all around the world where Mexican ex-pats live.
Cinco de Mayo is the Spanish for "fifth of May". It is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico with some limited recognition in other parts of the country.
The holiday itself commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. It is not, as many people think, Mexico's independence day - that is celebrated on September 16th.
In fact Cinco de Mayo is generally celebrated more in the US than Mexico itself, as a demonstration of Mexican national identity by Mexican immigrants. For the most part the celebrations combine food, music, parades and dancing.
The celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols such as Mexican Hats, Chilli Peppers, Maracas and the red, white and green Mexican flag, as well as listening to traditional Mexican mariachi music
So to celebrate, many people display Cinco de Mayo banners while children learn about its historical significance. Pinatas also often feature prominantly in these celebrations.
Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in it's music and regional dancing.
We've got some fun and free printables to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Firstly you could have a go at our printable Cinco de Mayo Wordsearch
Or you could have a go at this free printable Cinco de Mayo colouring picture.
Have a go at this fun Chilli Colouring Picture - chilli is a vital feature of Mexican cuisine.