Fun-Filled Fiesta: Classic Mexican Games for Children's Celebrations
Traditional Mexican games add festive flair to Cinco de Mayo, Grito de Dolores (Independence Day), and birthday parties for kids. From piñatas to jumping beans and pin-the-tail challenges, these activities bring a taste of Mexican culture to any children's gathering.
By Kai Murphy
Throwing a Mexican-themed party for kids will provide hours of entertainment.
When celebrating Cinco de Mayo or Grito de Dolores (Independence Day), traditional Mexican games can make the occasion memorable. These same activities also work well at children's birthday parties. You can pick from a range of classic Mexican games that kids find entertaining, or give a Mexican twist to familiar party games. No matter which options you select, the young guests are likely to have a good time at your fiesta.
Piñata
The piñata is a staple at many celebrations, making it a natural fit for a Mexican-themed party. Piñatas come in a variety of shapes to match your theme, including a donkey, cactus, bull, or sun. Once it is broken open, the candy or small toys inside provide a special treat. To let children take swings, you can decorate a broomstick or buy a dedicated piñata stick. Alternatively, choose a piñata with pull strings if you prefer to avoid swinging. If children will be swinging, blindfold them one at a time, spin each child a few times, and then let them try to hit and break the piñata. Other children should remain at a safe distance from the child swinging to prevent accidents with the stick.
Jumping Beans
This game gives kids at your fiesta a chance to expend plenty of energy. Before starting, explain that a Mexican jumping bean contains a particular kind of caterpillar baby, and that when it becomes warm, the caterpillar starts to move, which makes the beans jump. Play Mexican music and instruct the children to jump around like the beans, but once the music stops, they must stand as still as they can without moving. If any of the "beans" are caught fidgeting, they are out and can then help you to spot the next fidgety bean.
Pin the Tail on the Burro
In Spanish, a burro is a donkey. This game has a long history as a party favorite for children of all ages and backgrounds. You can draw or purchase from party supply stores a large picture of a donkey with no tail. Cut out enough tails in advance so every child gets one. Put double-sided tape on the end of each tail, and tell the children that you will blindfold them and spin them around a few times. Taking turns, the children try to pin the tail in the correct spot while blindfolded. The child who pins the tail closest to where it belongs on the burro wins.
