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.
This coloring craft comes with a printable template that is perfect for preschoolers and older kids.
Cinco de Mayo History
Cinco de Mayo holds a significant importance in Mexico’s history, marking the unexpected victory at the Battle of Puebla.
It was a day when the Mexican army, despite being less equipped, outmaneuvered a larger French force.
This victory developed into a symbol of Mexican resilience and patriotism.
The significance of Cinco de Mayo extends beyond commemorating a military victory.
It serves as a window into Mexican culture and traditions.
For kids, learning about Cinco de Mayo is not just about understanding a battle.
It’s about embracing a vibrant culture filled with rich traditions, from the symbolic Mexican flag, whose colors each tell a part of this story, to cultural symbols like the cactus, sombrero, and maracas that play vital roles in celebrations.
These elements, together with the traditional Mexican guitar music, bring the story of Cinco de Mayo to life in colorful and engaging ways.
Mexican Symbols
Mexican Flag
What do the colors of the Mexican flag stand for?
Green, on the flag’s left, symbolizes hope and prosperity for the nation.
In the center, white represents purity and the integrity of faith.
Completing this trio, red on the right pulses with the blood of national heroes, a testament to their sacrifice for freedom and justice.
At the core of the flag, an emblem captures Mexico’s rich history and the resilience of its people.
An eagle, poised on a prickly pear cactus with a serpent firmly in its beak, depicts an ancient Aztec legend.
Cactus
In the heart of Mexican culture, the cactus embodies the idea of resilience and survival.
This plant, thriving in the arid landscapes of Mexico, has become a symbol of Mexican tenacity and strength.
To bring this symbolism closer to children, consider incorporating hands-on activities that celebrate the cactus’ role in Mexican culture, like paper cactus crafts or a scavenger hunt for plastic cacti.
Sombrero
The sombrero has deep roots in Mexican culture, tracing back to the 15th century.
It was primarily a practical hat worn by farmers and laborers to protect themselves from the scorching sun.
This wide-brimmed hat has evolved into a symbol steeped in Mexican heritage, embodying the spirit of the people and their resilience.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army claimed a victorious stand against French forces.
In this context, the sombrero represents more than just a piece of attire; it symbolizes the triumph and courage of the Mexican people.
Guitar
The guitar has always been more than just an instrument in Mexico, it’s a way to share stories and feelings through music.
Incorporating the guitar into Cinco de Mayo festivities serves as a playful way to engage kids with the holiday, going beyond the colorful parades and mouth-watering cuisine.
From crafting a simple guitar out of cardboard to learning a traditional Mexican song, the options of exploring the guitar symbol are endless.
Maracas
These percussion instruments, often made from dried gourds filled with seeds or dried beans, create a rhythm that’s hard to resist.
Essential part of the Mexican music, maracas offer an expression of joy and festivity.
Engaging kids with maracas during Cinco de Mayo festivities serves more than just a musical experience.
It’s an opportunity for family activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture and its historical significance.
Incorporating maracas into Cinco de Mayo not only enriches the celebration but also serves as an educational craft.
It opens a way for discussions about Mexico’s history, the symbolism behind its vibrant holiday traditions, and the essence of celebrating historic holidays.
Ultimately, Cinco de Mayo presents a beautiful opportunity for educational crafts and learning activities that go beyond the classroom.
We have incorporated all of these Mexican symbols into our Cinco de Mayo spinner craft: Mexican flag, cactus, sombrero, guitar and maracas.
Cinco de Mayo Spinner Craft
This wonderful combo between a craft, coloring and learning activity about some of Mexico’s symbols can be used in the classroom with preschoolers, kindergartners and elementary school-aged kids or at home.
While it is created specifically for Cinco de Mayo, our craft can also be used for the International Education week or the Hispanic Heritage Month. You can also pair it with the study of mariachi.
Kids will color the two wheels, cut them out and attach them together with a paper fastener.
You have the option to print one wheel per page (bigger wheels) or two wheels per page (smaller wheels).
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Supplies:
- Cinco de Mayo printable
- 65lb white cardstock paper
- Colored pencils – my favorite
- Hole punch
- Paper fastener
- Pencil
- Scissors
Step by Step Instructions
Start by printing the spinner and cover on white cardstock paper.
Color the spinner and cut it out.
Color the cover and cut it out.
Use a hole punch to make a hole in the middle of the cover. (where marked)
Use a pencil to make a hole in the middle of the spinner. (where marked)
Attach the spinner and cover together with a paper fastener.