A fun and interactive Cinco de Mayo agamograph craft printable for kids to celebrate the Mexican holiday at home or in the classroom.
Cinco de Mayo originally commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but in the United States, it evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
The holiday gained at first popularity among Mexican immigrants as a way to express pride in their heritage, and later on, it became widely recognized beyond the Mexican-American community.
How did Cinco de Mayo become such a popular holiday in the US?
I am fascinated by marketing campaigns that have managed throughout the years to shape national U.S. holidays and traditions. Think of Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus or Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
It turns out Cinco de Mayo has similar roots as beer and tequila companies played a major role in turning the day into a widely celebrated event in the States.
Starting in the 1980s, major brands saw an opportunity to market their products to the growing Hispanic population. They sponsored Mexican holidays, including Cinco de Mayo, and invested heavily in Spanish-language advertising.
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?
Unlike in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is not a major nationwide holiday in Mexico. It is mainly celebrated in the state of Pueblo.
Schools and some government offices may hold educational events, but it doesn’t have the same party atmosphere as it does in the United States.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.
In the U.S., the Cinco de Mayo celebrations have evolved into a broader appreciation of Mexican culture, heritage, and traditions.
Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to introduce kids to Mexican culture, history, and traditions in a fun and engaging way, through crafts, food, storytelling, and music.
What are agamographs?
An agamograph is a fun type of artwork that changes when you look at it from different angles! It’s like magic, but actually, it’s just a clever way of folding and arranging pictures.
Our Cinco de Mayo agamograph features two images in one: on one side, kids can color a cactus holding maracas. On the other side, they can color the words “Cinco de Mayo”. Kids can enjoy both scenes with a simple flip.
More Cinco de Mayo crafts for kids
Cinco de Mayo spinner – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with kids and make an easy Cinco de Mayo spinner craft that features Mexican symbols: Mexican flag, cactus, sombrero, guitar and maracas.
Mexican fiesta diorama – A simple coloring Mexican craft that features a boy and girl dancing. Kids will love the 3D effect of this project.
Cinco de Mayo diorama
Supplies:
- Cinco de Mayo agamograph printable
- White printing paper
- Colored pencils or markers
- Scissors
- Glue
Step-by-step instructions
Start by printing the page with the two images and color them both.
Cut out the two images , keeping the letters/numbers at the bottom.
Cut out the strips and make sure to keep the letters/numbers at the bottom of the strips.
Glue the strips in order onto the blank frame, making sure to match the letters/numbers at the bottom of the strips with the letters/numbers at the bottom of the blank frame.
Cut off the white border of the frame, including the letters/numbers.
Fold the agamograph accordion-style along the lines between the pictures.
To see the two images, turn the agamograph to the left and to the right.