Mexico and the United States share a border and a history. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla , in which a few thousand ill-equipped Mexican citizens defeated a much larger army of highly trained French soldiers. Although the victory did not result in the immediate end of French occupation, many historians believe it indirectly affected the outcome of the American Civil War and led to Mexico's eventual independence. A brief description of each activity appears below.
Students create puzzles of a map of Mexico.
The Beat of Mexico Students learn about mariachi music and create their own rhythm instruments. The site includes a clear and complete history of the holiday, a WebQuest full of information about many aspects of Mexican life, and lots of additional resources. The Presidency of the Republic of Mexico maintains this site about Mexico for very young students. This clear, well-organized site contains all the information you'll ever need to know about the flag of Mexico. This virtual tour of Palenque, Maya ruins in Chiapas, Mexico, includes 360-degree, interactive panoramas of the ruins.