Learn more about Mexican culture with these easy Cinco de Mayo craft projects that will get you into the Latino holiday spirit. With these fun Mexican crafts, you can teach kids about Cinco de Mayo while participating in a fun learning activity. Plus, these beautiful Cinco de Mayo decorations are easy enough for kids to make! They are a great way to introduce kids to the real meaning of this Mexican holiday and traditions.
What is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated for?
When you think of Cinco the Mayo, margaritas, sombreros, and parties may come to mind. But do you know the real history and meaning of Cinco de Mayo? Contrary to popular belief, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day, a common misconception.
Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for Fifth of May) is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the victory of the Mexican over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is relatively minor in Mexico, this holiday that started in California has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture across the country
Best Cinco de Mayo Crafts for Kids
This Mexican holiday is full of colorful decorations, parades, and celebrations of Latin culture. It usually culminates with lots of delicious Mexican foods. So it gives us an excellent opportunity to teach children about Mexican culture. And what better way to do it than creating fun and easy kid-friendly crafts that focus on authentic Mexican traditions and art?
These Mexican crafts for kids showcase the traditional art and history and authentic handicrafts of the Mexican people. It will help you and your little ones get a deeper insight into this amazing country and its culture. Plus, your kids will love making these super easy Cinco de Mayo decorations to spruce up your next fiesta!
Huichol Yarn Paintings – The Art Garden
With this textured craft, kids can create a vibrant Cinco de mayo artwork using just yarn and glue. It is a low-mess relaxing activity that will keep your kids busy for hours.
Frida Kahlo Portrait With Natural Flowers from Growing Up Bilingual
Creating Frida Kahlo Inspired Flower Art is a fun and educational craft for kids to learn about the iconic Mexican artist while expressing their creativity. This activity involves using real or faux flowers, stems, and leaves to recreate Frida Kahlo’s distinctive floral headpiece and features. It’s an excellent Cinco de Mayo craft that encourages children to explore Kahlo’s artistic style and cultural significance through hands-on engagement.
Mexican Talavera Inspired Pinch Pot – First Palette
Make an easy no-bake decorative clay pot or bowl by pinching and pressing a ball of clay into the desired shape. Then, decorate it by painting it or embellishing it with buttons, gems, and other notions.
Frida Kahlo Paper Roll Craft From Growing Up Bilingual
By transforming a simple toilet paper roll into a colorful representation of Frida, complete with her signature floral headpiece and bold earrings, kids can express their creativity while learning about Mexican culture and art. This hands-on project helps children explore the unique style and cultural significance of one of Mexico’s most iconic artists. Check out my article filled with more Frida Kahlo activities for kids including free Frida Kahlo coloring pages.
Aztec Sundial – Education.Com
Not only does the sun give us warmth and help plants grow, but you can use it to tell time! Help your child make a sundial that works! Your kids can create a working sundial while learning more about life with the Aztecs!
Paper Rosettes And Señoritas For Cinco De Mayo – Denna’s Ideas
Here’s a cute little project you can make to decorate for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any other festive fiesta occasion. These paper rosettes have become quite popular for decorating and scrapbooking, an easy Mexican craft for kids of all ages!
Repujado Mexican Cuff Bracelet – SpanglishBaby
Repujado is the Mexican metal tooling art technique of working a rounded tool on the backside of soft metal to create a beautiful piece of raised art. Here is a simple form of this Mexican technique that your little ones can have fun with and then wear.
Traditional Mexican Alebrije Craft – Education.Com
Your little one can ignite their creativity by designing their version of an Alebrije! They are bright, fanciful animal creatures carved and painted by repeating dots, lines, and geometric motifs. They will make your beautiful Cinco de Mayo artwork stand out with their detailed paint finishes!
Traditional Mexican Doll or Muñeca Maria Sewing Craft
The Traditional Mexican Doll Craft allows kids to create their own muñeca María, inspired by the indigenous dolls of Mexico. Using fabric, yarn, and simple sewing techniques, children can personalize their dolls with vibrant colors and patterns, celebrating Mexican culture. This craft is a fun and educational way to honor Hispanic Heritage Month while teaching basic sewing skills.
Paper Bag Piñatas – Somewhat Simple
Kick your party up a notch on the “fun meter” with these simple paper bag pinatas! No more hard feelings when your three-year-old can’t break the big kid pinata – this paper bag version will make even your smallest party guests smile!
Ojo De Dios Or God’s Eye Craft – Be Brave, Keep Going
The Ojo has roots in the ancient Huichol Indians of Mexico. The brightly colored combination of yarn and sticks symbolizes the all-seeing eye of God. This beautiful Mexican craft is super easy to make with just a few materials you have at home, perfect for kids ages five and older.
Easter Egg Maracas – Made Everyday
These nifty little maraca made from leftover plastic Easter eggs bring a festive and colorful touch to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. This super simple and super quick craft project is fun for kids of all ages!
Other Great Ideas for Celebrating Cinco De Mayo
Another great way to teach kids about Mexican culture is through food. Cooking is a fantastic activity to do with the whole family! here are some delicious recipes to help you get into the spirit of these Mexican holiday:
- 15 Easy and Delicious Cinco De Mayo Recipes: Here are the best Mexican-inspired recipes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! It is the perfect excuse to embrace the Mexican culture, eat delicious Mexican-inspired dishes, and drink margaritas!
- Celebrating Cinco De Mayo with Traditional Elotes Mexicanos: This flavorful recipe is the perfect party food! Enjoy them with your family without having to spend hours in the kitchen!
- Mexican Pulled Pork Taquitos with Pineapple Salsa: This recipe for Mexican pulled pork taquitos gives a twist to the traditional recipe. It pairs them with freshly made pineapple salsa for an easy and flavorful dish full of Mexican flavors.
- 10 Flavorful and Fantastic Margarita Recipes: Whether you’re soaking in the sun at the beach or relaxing on your patio after work, you need one of these fantastic margaritas in your hand. These delicious margarita recipes would also be great for Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
- The Best Mexican Chocolate Flan: Topped with fresh fruit, this creamy Mexican flan is the ultimate chocolate dessert. This showstopper dessert will impress friends and family, perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any occasion!
We love to make a huge deal about Cinco de Mayo celebrations in our household. We go all-out, cooking delicious Mexican-inspired dishes and creating colorful Mexican crafts for kids to decorate our home. Join in the fun with one of these fun Cinco de Mayo crafts for kids to celebrate a piece of history. This Mexican holiday is an essential part of helping keep our culture and Latin heritage alive! Whether it is their native culture or not, these beautiful Cinco de Mayo decorations are easy for kids of all ages. It is a great way to spend time as a family and teach them about the rich Mexican culture.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
Great collection of crafts! Thanks for including our yarn paintings!
They look amazing! will try them for our next Cinco de Mayo Celebration
What a wonderful post! I love the idea of teaching kids about Mexican culture through crafts. The papel picado and piñata ideas are my favorites! Can’t wait to try these with my kids for Cinco de Mayo! Thank you for sharing!
Loved this post! The crafts ideas are so creative and perfect for teaching kids about Mexican culture in a fun way. I can’t wait to try the papel picado project with my children. Thank you for sharing!
What a great selection of crafts! I love how these activities not only engage kids but also teach them about the rich culture of Mexico. Can’t wait to try the papel picado project with my children this Cinco de Mayo! Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas!