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20 Activities To Celebrate Mexican Independence Day 

March 13, 2023 //  by Ashley Charles

Many Mexicans know that September 16 signifies Mexican Independence Day. This is the day that Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo gave his passionate speech about freedom. This is the day that changed history for many Mexican people as it was the start of a revolution that would lead to their freedom! This collection of 20 insightful ideas will help you educate your learners about all spheres of the day. 

1. Learn the Meaning Behind the Mexican Flag

Few people know the true meaning behind their country’s flag and what each color, design, or pattern represents. Help kids learn the meaning of the Mexican flag with this activity where they will read an article about it and then answer questions to check for comprehension.

Learn More: Study.com

2. Have a Traditional Meal

No celebration is complete without food! Make your celebration authentic with Chiles en Nogada. Students will enjoy this savory dish of what was believed to be the first meal prepared by the nuns at Puebla just after Mexico was declared independent.

Learn More: Mexican Food Journal

3. Learn the Mexican National Anthem

Help kids learn how to sing the Mexican National Anthem. They can follow the lyrics on screen and learn what they mean when translated into English. 

Learn More: Learn Spanish with SpanishPod101.com

4. Create a Timeline

If your students are learning how to create a timeline, this website has a ton of great information about the Mexican Independence movement! Have them practice their research skills and create a timeline for Mexican Independence.

Learn More: Thought Co.

5. History Snapshot

Allow kids to watch this short documentary outlining the timeline of how Mexican Independence was gained. Use the resource, to sum up, your teaching before testing. 

Learn More: Imagine Mexico

6. Bring the Celebration to Life

Before the lesson begins, share the importance of this special day with your class by printing and hanging photographs or creating a slideshow of the bicentennial celebration. These vibrant and heartwarming photos will help connect them to the significance of the day! 

Learn More: The Guardian

7. Invite Students to Dress the Part

Students who are of Mexican heritage often wear traditional Mexican garments for parties and celebrations. Invite them to dress up for Mexican Independence Day at school and have others wear bright colors to help celebrate!

Learn More: Love to Know

8. Experience Mariachi

Mariachi music is the traditional music of Mexico. Strings, brass, and voice all come together to create inspiring performances to commemorate  Mexican Independence Day as a celebration. 

Learn More: KSAT 12

9. Create a Cultural Passport

Students will learn about the origins, traditions, foods, and more as they complete the activities within this pack. Learners will answer short-response questions, and true or false questions, and engage in fun quizzes. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

10. Concept Map & Video Lesson

Beginner Spanish learners will benefit from this video lesson which includes a concept map to fill out. This is the perfect scaffold to help students take notes while they watch the video. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

11. Debunk the Myth

Here are a few printable true or false questions to help clear up the confusion between Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo. This would be an exceptional lesson engagement piece or can simply be used as a fun conversation starter.

Learn More: World Language Cafe

12. Color by Number

Have students color the emblem on the Mexican flag with this neat color-by-number worksheet. As an added bonus, kids can learn the Spanish words for each of the colors and learn what is represented on the emblem. 

Learn More: K12 Reader

13. Primary PowerPoint

Help younger students understand a little more about Mexican Independence Day using this eye-catching PowerPoint. As an added bonus, it includes a few printables to help younger children learn basic Spanish words.

Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi

14. Mexico Word Search

This free printable word search is a great time buster for early finishers. It could also be used as seatwork while students are trickling in to set the tone for a lesson on Mexican Independence Day. 

Learn More: Pinterest

15. Get Kids in on the Music

Help kids make their own musical instruments to drum, shake, or pluck along with the Mariachi band. Red Ted Art provides how-tos on a variety of instruments that can be made with a few easy-to-find supplies. 

Learn More: Red Ted Art

16. Create Festive Decorations

Papel Picado is traditional Mexican folk art that’s often used as decor at parties and celebrations. Let kids go to town with scissors and tissue paper by cutting out shapes of the folded paper. Similar to how you can make snowflakes or paper dolls, these are fun and simple to complete.

Learn More: Deep Space Sparkle

17. Piñata 

What is a Mexican celebration without a pinata? This could be something that the whole class can collaborate on! Then, on the final day of your unit, the kids can take turns busting it open to find traditional Mexican candies and trinkets.

Learn More: Red Ted Art

18. Click and Learn

Get kids engaged in some background knowledge about Mexico, including learning about Mexican Independence Day with this fun and interactive web page. Students will simply click to reveal fun facts, videos, and a myriad of information about Mexico. 

Learn More: Globe Trottin’ Kids

19. Add Humor

Eddie G is known for his humor that’s perfectly catered to older students. This introduction to Mexican Independence Day is the perfect video to get your students hooked and wanting to learn more.

Learn More: Eddie G!

20. Read Aloud

There is a myriad of books that celebrate the culture and beauty that is Mexico. Get your hands on a few of these books to read throughout your unit to help kids understand why Mexican Independence was so important.

Learn More: Thrift Books

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