I remember my first year as a Spanish teacher in the United States. I was also new in the country and have to admit that I had never heard of “Cinco de Mayo.” I was quietly walking into the school library when I suddenly heard “Happy Cinco de Mayo.” Happy Cinco de Mayo? What was that all about? It was another teacher wishing me the best Cinco de Mayo ever! I was so confused and asked, “What are you talking about? Cinco de Mayo?” She opened her eyes widely and told me, “I can’t believe it! You are a Spanish teacher and you don’t know anything about Cinco de Mayo?” She was so right, I didn’t know anything about it! I was so embarrassed and shyly said, “No, I don’t know anything about it.” Oh, well, it’s a Mexican celebration”, she said. And that answer was how our conversation ended.
I went to look for the other Spanish teachers in the district and they told that me they didn’t want this to be included in the curriculum, that this was a celebration filled with a lot of stereotypes, burritos, tacos and other icons that don’t even exist in the Mexican culture. As years went by, I decided that it was not to be a big part in my curriculum, that it was not even important to mention it or include other Mexican celebrations in my class. How wrong I was! Soon enough I learned that as a language teacher, it is my responsibility to help guide that young people beyond stereotypes. I heard things I am sure other Spanish teachers have heard: “El Dia de los Muertos” is like Halloween, or the Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day.
I have decided to take a more proactive role, to educate myself about other cultures and share what I know with my students. This is why, I, a Colombian Spanish teacher teaches about”El Cinco de Mayo.” I have challenged myself to take my students beyond sombreros and tacos.
All about Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo refers to the Battle of Puebla, when the French army invaded the town secretly. What is a source of pride for Mexicans, and especially those from Puebla, is that the Mexican army won with a such smaller, scrappier army than the French.
Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated nationwide in Mexico, but it’s a very big and important celebration in the town of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo in the United States is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the Mexican culture and its diversity. It is also a way to recognize the value of the Mexican presence in this country. It was actually created as a holiday in the 60’s in California for Chicanos to rally around.
I have put together a list of resources that I have found! Please, feel free to add more in the comments space:
HI There, Just a little comment, El 16 de Septiembre is celebrated in Mexico nationwide. It is a holiday, schools are closed and so are most of business. There are several parades celebrating the date, being the most important one in downtown Mexico City where the President usually is present watching the parade from the balcony of the National Palace. All the army and police departments are part of this 5 de mayo parade. Thanks for helping dissipate the confusion over this Mexican Holiday.
¡Hola! I am Carolina, a Colombian elementary Spanish teacher based in Boston, MA. Fun for Spanish Teachers is the result of my passion for teaching Spanish to children and my desire to inspire collaboration and creativity in a vibrant teaching and learning community. It’s the perfect stop if you are looking for songs, games, teaching tips, stories, and fun for your classes.
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Thanks for sharing!
HI There,
Just a little comment, El 16 de Septiembre is celebrated in Mexico nationwide. It is a holiday, schools are closed and so are most of business. There are several parades celebrating the date, being the most important one in downtown Mexico City where the President usually is present watching the parade from the balcony of the National Palace. All the army and police departments are part of this 5 de mayo parade. Thanks for helping dissipate the confusion over this Mexican Holiday.
Mexico City? No. La Batalla de Puebla is celebrated in Puebla.
Hi! I found some resources I’d like to share:
Cinco de Mayo:
https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/cinco_de_mayo.php to read more about it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O20HgEL0t8I Pbs short video on Cinco de Mayo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVB1jWP-9Qs Storytime! Marco’s Cinco de Mayo
from Granny’s Nook Book
Thanks for sharing that Mexico does celebrate nationally by closing schools,etc
Thank you!