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.
How can you celebrate Cinco de Mayo with teens?
Cinco de Mayo with teens: 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.
Read on for fun ideas to celebrate this holiday!
**This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.
Cinco de Mayo with teens: Facts to know
Cinco de Mayo is 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. .
Here are some fun ideas for ways to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with teens!
If you have decided to celebrate this holiday with teens, get them onboard with making some of these fun crafts and decorations!
I also think without any teens in my house, that this would all make a great date night activity in your empty nest!
Cinco de Mayo with Teens: Crafts
Here are 20 easy DIY decorations for your party
More easy DIY party decoration ideas
Easy sombreros to set out for the party
Pretty Mexican tissue paper flowers
Ceramic sugar skulls to paint and here are some paint pens to do the job with
Cinco de Mayo with Teens: Decor
Mexican fiesta-style paper products
Multi-Color Paper Garlands and Hanging Swirls
Cinco de Mayo fun colored balloon garland
Mexican Striped Cardboard Snack Boats
Cute string of lights for a Cinco de Mayo party!
Festive striped cloth tablecloth
Cinco de Mayo with teens: Fun recipes
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!
Snacks/Appetizers
Jalapeño poppers– my boys love these!
Drinks – You can always choose to add alcohol for the adults!
Margarita punch -Here are some mixes to try if you would like the easier route!
Pink lemonade virgin margaritas
Authentic horchata -this looks interesting… And, if you aren’t into making the authentic drink yourself, here are mixes you can order!
Virgin piña coladas -again, if you just want a mix, these are all non-alcoholic.
Main dishes
Queso chicken -the picture alone made my mouth water!
Side dishes
Desserts
Sombrero cookies-so cute!
Here are some pre-made maracas iced cookies -order by the half dozen
Cinnamon sugar tortilla surprises– these look yummy!
Churro cupcakes -here are other churro treats that are premade -go to the second line of items!
Praline crunch -we are trying this for sure! Here are other praline options to try, they all look yummy!
Cinco de Mayo with Teens: Games
These Cinco de Mayo games are perfect for teens and youth groups.
Minute-to-win-it games -because, it’s a party!!
Here is another fun playlist for your party!
Here is a fun activity –find your “taco” name!
Final thoughts about Cinco de Mayo with teens
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!
Here are some fun taco shirts….
Or you could send a Sugarwish full of treats that you can pick out or the recipient can choose themselves: cookies, candies, snacks, popcorn, and more!
Posts related to having Cinco de Mayo with teens
If your teen is away, this Taco care package is fun to send!
Or send this care package for finals!
Student Headed Home For the Summer?
We would love to stay in touch!
Be sure to see all of the Next Phase Parenting Resources on our Resources Page and subscribe to our Next Phase Parenting newsletter below for a weekly dose of love from us about surviving and thriving in your almost or already empty nest. Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram where we share lots of helpful info for parents with teens, young adults, our aging parents, and other issues that we experience in the sandwich generation! Thank you so much!❤️
