Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day . . .

Posted by Diane

May 4, 2009

. . . it’s the day all my French students whine, “How come WE can’t have a fiesta?” Ah oui, they forget about all those crepes and fixate on the delicious smells wafting in from the Spanish class next door. Every year I must explain that WE can’t have a fiesta, because WE (the French) lost a battle on le 5 mai. But inside, I’m wishing I were at the fiesta, too. I mean, who doesn’t love this fun and patriotic Mexican party?

Spanish and French students alike must be reminded that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, but rather the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla. It’s a time of great national Mexican pride and unity. My amiga, Catherine, can explain it much better than I. Go check out this link at speakspanisheveryday.com

Catherine has also created some wonderful and affordable downloads for teaching Spanish learners about Cinco de Mayo:

Cinco de Mayo for Beginners and Young Learners: Even beginning Spanish students and young learners need to learn that 5 de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day! They learn that it celebrates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in basic Spanish. Included: map of Mexico, basic geography, novice level reading about the Battle of Puebla, current websites of activities, and teaching tips. English translation included.

Cinco de Mayo for Young Children: For Cinco de Mayo those little ones (prek-2) will pick up colors, a map of Mexico, a Mexican flag coloring activity, and a brief Spanish description of what Cinco de Mayo honors: the Battle of Puebla. Bilingual vocabulary lists and English translations included.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Image Source: photo71 at http://www.sxc.hu/photo/948568

Amazing deal on an effective tool for language classes. Only $59.99: Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 30-Minutes (White)

Foreign Language Fun, Holiday, Spanish, Teachers Pay Teachers

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