So, it’s Cinco de Mayo!? ?Fiesta!? Party!? But before you run out later to buy the tacos for dinner or the cervezas for happy hour, might I share with you a quick 40 second read on what Cinco de Mayo even is?!?

The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16.

There you have it!? Now let me give you some quick fun things for craft ideas first, followed by food, and finally FREE music:

Food

Based on the age of children who might help you assemble lunch or dinner, Boca Beth recommends the following:?

Salsa and chips?

Big Fritos with sour cream, chili & cheese and/orguacamole for dipping?

Make your own taco station complete with meats(chicken or beef), tomatoes, lettuce, cheese,taco sauce and shells?

Flan, dulce de leche ice cream, Tres Lechescake (available in many flavors these days) orgalletas/cookies from a local Spanish grocerystore.CraftsHave the children make their ownMexican ponchos out of large browngrocery bags with paints, sequins, beads,feathers, foam shapes, etc to decorate?

Maracas can easily be made with twopaper plates stapled together (adultsupervision required), popsicle stick asthe handle and rice, pasta or beans asthe noise filler – children decorate the

outside of the plates prior to assembly.

And if you have time for some music fun during the day, e-mail me at bocabeth@msn.com for a free MP3 version of the Latin American fun song Chocolate!??I will send you lyrics and activity ideas to do hand-in-hand with the song. Happy Educating!? ?Sea feliz educando!?Boca Beth