2 Fun Cinco de Mayo activities – in French and Spanish!

Cinco de Mayo is coming up, and the Spanish classes get to celebrate with Cinco de Mayo activities.  But why should they have all the fun?  After all, France was involved as well.  What can French teachers do to get in on the fun? Here’s how I celebrate Cinco de Mayo – in French and Spanish! I spend a little time on April 29 teaching students about the French Foreign Legion.  April 29 is the day that commemorates the battle of Camerone – and it is the most solemn day in the Legionnaires. 

We discuss the battle and the amazing bravery shown my the small outfit of men, willing to fight to the death to protect the shipment of gold.  I tell them about Danjou’s wooden hand, which is kept in the Legionnaire headquarters and paraded through the town on the day of the parade. 

I explain to them that Mexican soldiers still stop and show respect to the plaque in Mexico that acknowledges the bravery of the men who fought and died there. Then on May 5, we have an escape game.  I have one game for Spanish classes, but another for French classes.  They learn about the pastry war, the role of Emperor Maximillian, the second battle of Puebla, the role of Napoleon III and more.

Cinco de Mayo activities for Spanish students

For Spanish students, I have an escape game that addresses the role of the Mexican forces in the battle. They will learn about mole poblano, Benito Juarez, Ignacio Zaragosa and more!

Whether you teach French or Spanish, these Cinco de Mayo activities will be a fun addition to your classroom. Your students will enjoy the challenging activities that can be done individually or in groups, and you will enjoy that there in no prep necessary to do them – just share the URL with your students!