Activities & FestivitiesMany celebrations in Mexico take part throughout the streets with parades, magicians, musicians, storytellers and entertainers populating children's favorite hangout spots.
They celebrate at school most often canceling classes, the malls, the movies, water and amusement parks. Celebrating all the children of Mexico is of upmost importance, many movements are organized to collect donations of toys to give to orphaned children, so that every child may feel included in the celebration. There are many activities you can do to join in the celebration, these are: Playing cultural games such as Loteria, a Spanish Version of Bingo, Outdoor games such as, Stealing the Sombrero, which could also involve a craft activity where children create paper sombreros and they are then pinned to children's backs and while music is played children try to steal each other's sombreros. Music is a large part of any celebration, dancing to the Mexican Hat Dance is another cultural tradition in any celebration, where children hold hands in a circle and each take turns dancing in the middle. Festivals, games, puppets, storytelling, music, dancing and having fun are all a part of celebrating the Day of the Child please visit the recommended resources page for more activity ideas. |
Cooking & CraftsWhile receiving gifts and toys is a joy, teaching children about giving to those who are less fortunate is important. This can be done by having children make toy crafts in school or at home.
Children can make dolls, yo-yos, and paper sombreros for themselves and for other children as well. Creating things for yourself is important as well, children can make cards, build altars on what's important to them since it is their day and many other art related projects. Food is also a great way to celebrate many cultures, sweet treats are an especially great way to involve children in the kitchen as well as celebrate El Dia del Nino. Some traditional Mexican treats would be: Flan (Gelatin Cake) Bunuelos (Cinammon Tortillas) Empanadas (Bread with different fillings) Fried Ice Cream Pan Dulce (Sweet Bread) Arroz Con Leche (Sweet Rice and Milk, Pictured Below) |