Throw a Mexican Fiesta

With these ideas for food and fun, you can host your own Cinco de Mayo celebration any day of the year!

By Kathleen Reilly

Ages

3-13


What to Serve
Enchiladas
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your filling: Shred cooked chicken or beef, or sauté your favorite veggie mixture (such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach). Season the filing with chili powder, cumin, and paprika; spoon into flour tortillas and top with shredded cheese and a little enchilada sauce (canned is fine). Roll up the tortillas, place them seam-side down in a baking pan, and add more sauce and cheese on top before baking. Bake for 20 minutes. ?

Rice
Cook 1½ cups of rice with 2½ cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of diced tomatoes for 15 minutes. Serve with the enchiladas.

Churros
Churros are the fitting end to your fiesta. A simple way to make these Spanish-style donuts is by using refrigerated breadsticks (Pillsbury’s Originals work well). Brush the raw breadsticks with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then bake them according to the directions. If there are leftovers, serve ‘em along with hot chocolate for breakfast!

What to Make
Mini Piñatas
Take cardboard toilet-paper tubes and fill them with an assortment of Mexican candy (find them at Mexgrocer.com). Cover the entire tube with tissue paper. Guests can punch holes in the bottom of their individual piñatas to let the fun begin!??

Maracas
Take clean, empty lidded containers (like yogurt containers or empty pill bottles). Pour a small amount of dried beans into each container, and seal tightly (tape the lids if they’re loose). Kids can decorate them with tissue paper and stickers, then shake, shake, shake!?

What to Wear
Dress in your frilliest blouses and brightest pants or skirts. Slip on some bracelets (chunky or silver) and you’re set!

What to Say
To welcome your guests, say, “Bienvenido” (pronounced “bee-yen-beh-NEE-do). “Please” is “por favor,” and “thank you” is “gracias.”?

What to Read
Off We Go to Mexico by Laurie Krebs (Barefoot Books, ages 5+). Follow a family’s footsteps as they swim in the ocean, see Aztec ruins, follow butterflies, and celebrate Mexican Independence Day.

Ready for more mother-daughter adventure ideas? Click here!

Language Arts
Raising Kids
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Family Activities
Culture and Diversity
Ceremony and Tradition