How to Throw a Cinco de Mayo Party - Games

Benito Juarez Says - Before playing explain that Benito Juarez, a Zapotec Indian, was born and raised in extreme poverty.  With hard work, determination, and strong love for his country, Juarez became the president of Mexico and defeated the French, who had occupied the country.

Basically this game is played like Simon Says.  An adult chaperon or teenager should assume the role of Benito Juarez.  The "Benito Juarez" will then say something like "Benito Juarez says hop on one foot".  The children will hop on one foot. If they only say "hop on one foot".  Then the children will not hop.  Anyone who does, is eliminated from the game.  Last child standing wins.

Mirror Relay - for this game you will need for each team some small wrapped candies, a bowl to put them in, a small cup and a mirror either hand held or mounted on the wall.

Divide into teams.  First child on each team balances/holds cup on hand.  The child looks into the mirror held by another team member (or it can be mounted on the wall) and tries to fill their cup with candy.  When the cup is filled, they dump the candy back in the bowl and pass the cup to the next person.  First team that finishes the cup wins!

Freeze Dance - for this game you will need some authentic music from Mexico.  Begin playing music, everyone moves and dances until the music stops then they must "freeze" in whatever position they happen to be in.  Anyone not freezing will be eliminating.  Last child standing wins.

Pass the Sombrero - this game is a bit like hot potato, but instead the kids have to pass a sombrero instead of a potato.  Sit the kids in a circle, put on some Mexican music and get the kids to pass round the sombrero.  Each time it is passed to them, they have to place the sombrero on their head for a second.  When the music stops, the kid wearing the sombrero is out of the game.  Last child remaining in the game, wins.

Cinco de Mayo Bingo - Make your own C-I-N-C-O cards or modify some BINGO cards for the party.  Have plenty of markers on hand - dry beans work well.  Game is played like regular BINGO.

Limbo - all you need to play is a stick and two poles to balance it on, or you can get two people to hold the Limbo pole.  Start with the stick about eye height and each child takes it in turn to cross under the stick without knocking it down or touching it.

Children play this game face forward, so eventually it will involve bending their body backwards a little.  Each round the stick is placed a little lower.  For added fun, have some music going at the same time and the kids can clap to get the rhythm going.  Last child under the pole with touching it or knocking it down wins.  Tip:  Small kids can crawl under the stick - same rule without knocking pole down or touching it.

Break the Pinata - For this game you will need a Pinata filled with candies and/or trinkets, a large stick and a blindfold.  To play blindfold one child at a time and place them in front of the hanging Pinata.  Turn them three times, then let them swing.  Make sure other children are out of swing range. Once the Pinata is broken, the kids can all gather up the goodies.