What is cinco de mayo? Teach Spanish class students the meaning, traditions, and history behind the holiday. There’s so much to celebrate! I wish I could take my students into the heart of the Latino community to be a part of a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Until then, I’ve found an engaging video from “Moo!” at Teacher’s Discovery. This has been one of my favorite purchases and worth the expense!
I love this Cinco de Mayo video for so many reasons! First, it is rich in culture and authentic. Students watch footage filmed on Olvera Street in Los Angeles during the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the U.S. You see streets lined with papel picado, hear mariachi music, and listen to Mexican-Americans talk about what Cinco de Mayo personally means to them.
Second, this video explains the history of Cinco de Mayo. Many students (and adults!) have no idea why the holiday is celebrated. And, who can blame them for being confused? There are many misconceptions about the holiday that need to be cleared up! The narrators, María and Brett, will do just that. Watch these two students take to the streets of L.A. to explore answers to some important questions.
What happened on May 5th, 1862?
Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.?
What is the difference between Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day?
Lastly, students are engaged throughout the entire video as they learn how and why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated. They hear the story of the Battle of Puebla - how a small group of unequipped, inexperienced Mexican peasants defeated the most powerful army in the world! They learn about true Mexican heroes, Benito Juárez and General Zaragoza. And, they discover the national dish of Mexico, Mole Poblano with all of its surprising ingredients!
So, if you are looking for an easy way to integrate culture and set the stage for meaningful discussion - download the video, serve up some agua fresca and enjoy! Your students will love it. Use the activities below to enrich and support your unit on cinco de mayo!
Length: 25 minutes
Cost: $35.99 (available for instant download)
Value: understanding the real meaning behind Cinco de Mayo – priceless!
Link: Moo! Cinco de Mayo Video (not an affiliate link)
Check out the activities below to enrich & support your Cinco de Mayo unit!
Happy teaching!
Cinco de Mayo Activities:
I've created no-prep teaching resources to go with this video. Find vocabulary building activities, games, a word search, coloring pages & worksheets in Spanish to add to lesson plans. You and your students will LOVE having these activities for Cinco de Mayo! Classroom tested & approved!
Click images to see more or pin these ideas to save for later.
Teachers are saying:
"Thanks for making the history and language visible - and with neat graphics too!
This will help my students connect with the history of the holiday!"
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