If you couldn’t make it out to Festival de Fiesta Broadway in Los Angeles last week, don’t worry. While the annual event is among the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States (attracting more than 1 million revelers), there are many other ways you can commemorate May 5th with your family and friends.
Cinco de Mayo was essentially created to celebrate the Mexican culture with dancing, food and music. You can join in on the festivities by making your own Cinco de Mayo crafts. The following projects are simple enough for kids to create and enjoy:
EASY PINATA
Materials:
1 large brown paper bag
Tissue paper (red, white and green)
Crepe paper streamers in red, green and white
24-inch green yarn
Hole punch
Stapler
Newspaper
Candy and small plastic toys
Scissors
Craft glue
Directions:
Open the bag and place candy and toys inside. Fill the bag about 1/4 full.
Fill remaining space with crumpled up newspaper, leaving a small space at the top of the bag so it can be folded over and closed.
Staple bag closed.
Punch a hole in the middle of portion of the fold; making sure it is low enough so that the hole won’t rip.
Cut strips of tissue paper (in each color) into about 3 by 5-inch rectangles.
For a fancier design you can fringe the ends of the tissue paper by cutting slits about halfway up.
Start at the bottom of the bag and glue the tissue paper onto it. You can mix and match the colors in any pattern you desire. (Tip: Cover the right side of the bag with green and the left side of the bag with red or vice versa.)
Work your way to the top of the bag, making sure you cover the bag completely.
Thread string or yarn through hole at the top and tie a knot.
Place bag on its side.
Cut 12 strips of crepe paper streamers and glue to the bottom of the bag.
Set aside to dry completely.
Hang finished pinata by the string and have kids take turns hitting it with a bat until it breaks.
Related Articles:
Papel Picado – Cinco de Mayo Project
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Chimichangas