rom many of the different Mesoamerican cultures along with Spanish, Arabic and Asiatic influences.
Because Mexican folk art is utilitarian it makes for awesome additions to your home. Please always buy from Mexican artisans to support local communities. These pieces can be displayed and used in your home all year long or you can buy papel picado to decorate for a holiday.
If you’re up for some family craft time there are a bunch of easy ways to bring the essence of Mexican folk art into the home. You can try making your own papel picado by folding tissue paper lengthwise two times and cutting designs along the folds. If you have made paper snowflakes, it is a similar process.
We love coloring so we made some Amate Paper Painting inspired bird art that included vibrant color, repetitive patterns and strong lines. This style is great for families because you can be as simple or complex as your skills allow.
2. Eat Authentic Mexican Food
I have been to Mexico a few times and I love a variety of Mexican food. The regional differences in cuisine offer so much diversity. This Cinco de Mayo find a local authentic Mexican restaurant (not tex-mex) and try Mole Poblano, which originates from the city of Puebla, or Enchiladas Poblanas that are made with poblano chile. Other dishes common in Puebla include pork barbecue, cemita poblana, molotes, memelas, tacos arabes, and chiles en nogada.
If you can’t find authentic Mexican food locally check out this Mole Poblano recipe from Mexico in My Kitchen. I love the pictures and details on all her recipes. We learned how to make aguas frescas from her site and LOVE making some on a hot day!
If you are short on time or have picky eaters try buying some foods that include flavors that are popular in Mexican cuisine or choose similar cooking methods. If all else fails get some of the amazing Mexican sweets like paletas, reganadas, flan, rice pudding or tres leches cake to name a few. The most important thing is that your family has a positive experience appreciating authentic Mexican cuisine.
3. Read Mexican literature
The state of Puebla has many well known works of literature and home to many accomplished poets, playwrights and writers. The proof is in the library. Puebla is home to the first library of the Americas. Novels, folklore, poetry and even biographies are a beautiful way to become more acquainted with the Mexican culture.
We were first introduced to Folklore of Puebla years ago when my sister got a copy of The Princess and The Warrior A Tale of Two Volcanoes by Duncan Tonatiuh for our girls. We LOVE this book. The art work is inspired by indigenous art and the story tells the tale of two lovers based on the legend of Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. If you love this book as much as we do check out some other works by Duncan Tonatiuh.
Some of our other favorite Mexican stories for families include: Viva Frida, Dream Carver, The Cazuela That The Farm Maiden Stirred and What Can You Do With A Paleta?. For older readers we love: The House on Mango Street, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and Mexican Whiteboy.
4. Listen to Mexican Music
Cinco de Mayo celebrations are often accompanied by mariachi music. We love mariachi music, but don’t let it steal the spotlight. There is traditional music from Puebla that has influences from the waltz, zarzuela and the Mexican version of trova. It is admittedly hard to find music from Puebla here in the states, but check out Mexican trova, banda, norteño, ranchera, huasteco, jarocho, grupera, tamborazo zacatecano, and marimba-based ensembles where ever you stream music.
You can get a sample of Mexican music with these famous songs: “Oye cómo va” by Santana, “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens, “Bésame mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez and “Como la Flor” by Selena.
I would be remiss not to mention the favorite Mexican band of my high school self, Maná. Check out “Rayando El Sol”, “Oye Mi Amor” and “En el Muelle de San Blas” if you want to really treat yourself this Cinco de Mayo. For my fellow hiphop fans check out the Mexican Latin rap group Control Machete