In this post, I’m sharing simple and engaging Cinco de Mayo Spanish activities you can use to help your young learners build their Spanish language skills while learning about an important piece of Mexican history and culture.
But before we dive into the activities, let’s answer an important question: Why talk about Cinco de Mayo in your Spanish class or bilingual home?
Why Talk About Cinco de Mayo in Your Spanish Class or Bilingual Home?
Let’s start with a common question: How to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Spanish class in a meaningful way?
Although Cinco de Mayo isn’t a major holiday in Mexico, it’s widely recognized in the U.S.—often misunderstood and commercialized. Many children associate it with parades, tacos, and colorful decorations, but may not know the history behind it.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army defeated the French in 1862. Teaching this in our bilingual classrooms or homes provides an opportunity to correct misconceptions and expand our students’ cultural knowledge.
In a bilingual setting, we’re not just teaching language—we’re also helping kids connect with the people and cultures behind that language. Whether our students are heritage speakers or learning Spanish as a second language, introducing them to events like Cinco de Mayo in Spanish class helps them see language as a bridge to understanding others.
Cinco de Mayo Spanish Activities For Young Learners
Below are some low-prep Cinco de Mayo Spanish class activities that you can use to support vocabulary development, reading, writing, and grammar—all while celebrating culture with purpose and heart.
1. Reading Center: Cinco de Mayo Spanish Mini-Passage
So many kids (and adults!) mistakenly think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. Sound familiar?
Set up a mini reading comprehension station to help clarify the facts:
- Use a short, student-friendly passage explaining the true history of Cinco de Mayo.
- Add discussion questions or a simple retelling activity.
- Invite students to draw a key fact they learned from the reading.
This activity builds background knowledge while strengthening reading comprehension—perfect for young Spanish students.
2. Vocabulary Center: Cinco de Mayo Spanish Word Puzzle activity
Want to keep vocabulary practice fresh and fun? Try this:
- Introduce Cinco de Mayo vocabulary using flashcards, realia, or picture books.
- Have students build themed word puzzles (like syllable puzzles that form an image).
- Wrap up by using new words in oral or written sentences.
This is one of my favorite Cinco de Mayo activities for young Spanish learners because it reinforces vocabulary in a playful, low-stress way.
3. Writing Center: My Cinco de Mayo Story or Opinion Piece
Need a quick writing center idea? Here’s what you can do this Cinco de Mayo in your Spanish class:
- Provide sentence starters or writing prompts.
- Let students choose between writing a story (“This is how I would celebrate Cinco de Mayo…”) or sharing an opinion or fact they learned.
- For PreK-K, focus on inventive spelling and drawing; for 1st-2nd grade, scaffold sentence building.
Writing is a powerful way for students to connect personally with cultural content.
4. Word Work Center: Spanish Sorting Games
Sorting games make great literacy stations! Here are three word work ideas for your Cinco de Mayo Spanish class activities:
- Grammar sort: Sort Spanish nouns by article (el, la, los, las).
- Phonological sort: Sort words by number of syllables.
- Parts of speech sort: Provide a mix of Cinco de Mayo-themed nouns, verbs, and adjectives for students to sort.
These games are perfect for small groups or centers and build essential language awareness.
5. Cross-Curricular Extension: Add Culture Through Music and Crafts
Let’s not forget to add joy! Cross-curricular Cinco de Mayo activities for kids learning Spanish help bring culture to life.
Try adding:
- Traditional crafts like papel picado, mini piñatas, or maracas.
- Songs that celebrate Mexican culture like Cielito Lindo, María, María, or a themed Cinco de Mayo song.
These experiences deepen cultural appreciation and give students a meaningful way to connect with what they’ve learned.
I hope these Cinco de Mayo Spanish activities for young learners bring joy, learning, and cultural appreciation into your classroom or bilingual homeschool.
Now I want to hear from you—What activities can you do on Cinco de Mayo in your Spanish space? Share your favorite ideas in the comments below!