58 Fun and Fabulous Mexican Crafts for Kids and Adults

Best Cinco de Mayo Crafts to Celebrate Mexican Culture and Traditions

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated annually on May 5th, is particularly popular with people of Mexican heritage who live in the United States as well as some areas of Mexico.

What originated as a small historical holiday in Mexico, dedicated to the country's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, has become a big deal north of the border. Today, Cinco de Mayo has bloomed into a lush celebration of Mexican culture, customs, food, music, and art.

Although I'm not of Mexican heritage, I love the bright colors, festive music, and crafts associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. I've picked out a fabulous selection of over 50 crafts that you and your kids will enjoy making as you learn more about this fabulous culture. I'm already planning to try several of these with my grandchildren.

I have included a photograph or video of each craft below.

• The photo entries include links to sites where you can find instructions to complete the craft.
• Videos may be played right here on the page.

To make traditional Huichol beaded art like the hummingbird shown in the photo above, visit Our Crafty World. The Huichol (pronounced “wee chol”) people of the Sierra Madre Mountains in western Mexico are famous for creating art with colorful beads and yarn (see craft #25 Huichol Yarn Painting).

1. Traditional Talavera Pottery Made Easy

This craft project involves painting ordinary earthen clay pots to look like authentic Talavera pottery, which dates back to the 16th century in the Mexican state of Puebla. The bright colors outlined in black are representative of the Mexican folk art style.

Talavera ceramics traditionally include pots, vases, plates, bowls, mugs, and tiles called azulejos that still decorate buildings in the Historic Center of Puebla today.

2. Rhinestone Calavera (Skull)

Calavera usually refers to an edible or decorative skull made with sugar or clay. While these little beauties are usually associated with the Mexican Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) and the Roman Catholic All Souls' Day, there is no reason they can't be crafted on May 5th, too.

You'll find the tutorial and tips for making a beautifully bedazzled rhinestone skull at Mad in Crafts.

3. Egg Maracas

Kids will have a blast playing with maracas that they make themselves. Maracas are hand-held rattle instruments commonly played in Latin America, the Caribbean, and South America. Traditionally, they were made of dried calabash gourds or turtle shells filled with beans, beads, or pebbles. These easy maracas use plastic Easter eggs filled with popping corn.

4. Traditional Mexican Piñata

A piñata is a decorated paper-mâché container filled with candy that is meant to be broken as part of a celebration. The Mexican piñata tradition began in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City, as part of a religious ceremony. Today, it is often associated with birthdays and holidays—just for fun!

5. Frida Kahlo-Inspired Floral Headband

Make a fantastic floral headband or crown inspired by the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Frida, who famously painted and wore flowers, once said, “I paint flowers so they will not die.”

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6. Festive Paper Fans

I love the look of these festive folded-paper fans! Not only are they perfect decorations for celebrating Cinco de Mayo, but they would also make colorful additions to weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties. Plus, they are easy to make, so kids can join in the crafty fun.

7. Painted Stone Cactuses

The arid regions of Mexico are full of a fantastic array of native cactuses. Mexicans have all sorts of recipes for cooking these spiny plants, and they even have a prickly pear cactus on their national flag. Long story short: Cactuses are pretty important plants in Mexico! Learn how to paint adorable rock cactuses of all shapes and sizes in the video above.

8. Papel Picado Garland

Papel picado ("perforated paper" or "pecked paper") is a traditional Mexican decorative craft made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper. The video above is an easy tutorial for replicating this folk craft as a garland string that is sure to add a festive atmosphere to any room in your home.

9. Paper Plate and Cup Sombrero

These cute and oh-so-easy Mexican party hats are fun for kids to wear, but they can also also be used as party favors or glued on skewers to spice up a bouquet centerpiece.

10. Fiesta Skirts

When you visit the Made Every Day site, you'll find a bunch of finished fiesta skirts, so you'll get lots of ideas on how to style them. This is an easy and fun project for those who know how to sew.

11. Sugar Skull Sachets

Here's a different take on the sugar skull idea: stitched felt sachets! This is not a difficult craft, but it may not be suitable for young kids. With just a smidgen of stitching skills, teens and adults can create truly beautiful pieces of art that can be scented with any fragrance you fancy.

12. Mexican Folk Art Birds

I can't wait to make these cardboard birds with my granddaughters. I love projects that you can really customize to make them your own. Check out the directions at Krokotak and make some big birds.

13. Piñata Party Wreath

When I first noticed this wreath, I thought the fringes were made using tissue paper, but when I looked closer, I saw that they are made using felt pieces—so much sturdier than paper! Making a piñata party wreath like this one is easy. I like the tutorial found at White House Black Shutters.

14. Tin Folk Art Hearts

Tin is a widely used material in Mexican folk art, and it can be used to make keepsake-quality crafts you can use year after year on May 5th. Please use caution, though, and supervise kids during this project because cutting tin can create sharp edges. Sturdy gloves would be a great idea for all participants.

15. Clothespin Worry Dolls

Muñeca quitapenas, worry dolls, are handmade dolls that are said to remove one's worries. Worry dolls are traditionally tucked under a child's pillow to help ease worries or woes. They can also be used to make wishes. Children tell the dolls their thoughts or wishes before bed, then the dolls are placed under pillows. The dolls do the worrying while the children sleep. Create a worry doll for someone you love, or make it a group project, by following the tutorial at Creativity in Motion.

16. Cactus Banner

This easy-to-make Mexican cactus banner is an Aspen Jay project.

17. Wire and Clay Esqueleto (Skeleton)

Like the skull crafts we've covered already, these esqueletos (skeletons) are probably more associated with the Day of the Dead, but they are so creative and cute that I had to include these, too! The clay on a wire frame is just so clever.

18. Mexican Pinch Pot

I would love to make these beautiful pinch pots with a group of schoolchildren. They always enjoy using bright colors and dreaming up ways to decorate. If you would like to make a Mexican pinch pot like this one, go to First Palette for the tutorial.

19. Paper Plate Tambourine

It looks like this craft will be as much fun to make as it will be to play. The directions for assembling the tambourine are found at Kix.

20. Day of the Dead Planters

These are so cool. Find the tutorial for making these calavera planters at Creative Kismet.

21. Sombrero Art Project

If you are searching for a nice classroom art project that all the elementary grades can do, I think these paper sombreros are perfect. Go to Deep Space Sparkle for the instructions.

22. Mexican Folk Art Birds

You don't need to be a talented sculptor to create these creative likenesses of Mexican folk art birds. Just squish together a bird-like shape with a beak and tail, and then paint them with wild and wonderful colors.

23. Nicho Boxes

This is a super easy project to do with the kids. Nichos are small, handmade tin boxes constructed to display miniature scenarios or dioramas. They originated in the Spanish Colonial period. This kid-friendly rendition uses paper instead of tin, so it's safe and simple. Find the directions at Kitchen Table Classroom.

24. Mexican Tooling Art

This is an exceptional classroom project, and it can be used so beautifully in decorating for Cinco de Mayo. Find the instructions at Kinder Art.

25. Huichol Yarn Art

Making Cinco de Mayo Huichol yarn pictures is a truly authentic Mexican art project. Huichol yarn paintings traditionally depicted myths and ceremonies, but modern works can represent stories of today’s world. Find the instructions for this project at Education.com.

26. Paper Plate Maracas

I particularly like this paper plate maracas project because even the littlest kids can make them with hardly any help. Consider this for a classroom project for grades K through 3. Find the instructions for making paper plate maracas at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

27. Decorating for Cinco de Mayo

If you plan to throw a party on May 5th, this video will help you make all sorts of fun and festive decorations for your traditional Mexican table and fiesta foods.

28. Clay Vessels With Embedded "Gems"

I'm going to do this with my grandkids this summer—I think they are so cool. I can imagine the kids would love giving them as gifts to Mom or Dad, too. Find the directions for making these clay pinch pots at Laugh, Paint, Create.

29. Mexican Bird Rattle

This is another easy, fun, and interactive craft for the kids. The bird pictured here looks a lot like a scarlet macaw, a species of parrot that is indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico region but was extirpated a century ago. The good news is that scarlet macaws were reintroduced to the jungles of Veracuz in 2014. Celebrate the macaws' success by going to DLTK and learning how to make this bird rattle.

30. Paper Plants

Here is a great party idea. Make these super cool paper plants to decorate your tables for Cinco de Mayo festivities.

31. Mini Donkey Piñatas

You'll enjoy making these mini donkey pinatas with the patterns and directions at Oh Happy Day. Fill them with tiny treats and offer them as festive party favors.

32. Clay Cactus Plants

I absolutely love these cactuses that were made by Mrs. Knights Smartest Artists. Kids can make these to give to their parents as gifts or to decorate the classroom. They look so realistic, don't they?

33. Flirty Fiesta Flower Bouquets

After your Cinco de Mayo celebration, use these incredibly beautiful faux bouquets for your summer patio parties (they never wilt!). Go to Aesthetic Nest to see how to make these flirty fiesta flowers.

34. Easy Mexican Paper Mask

I can just hear the enthusiastic comments kids would make while crafting these masks because they are so easy and colorful—they can't go wrong! Let your kids' imaginations and creativity run wild using the instructions found at Jump Start.

35. Paper Cut-Out Sugar Skull Decorations

These papel picado skulls are cut out in the same manner as paper snowflakes, giving them an intricate, lacy appearance without being too complicated to construct. String them together to make a festive, fluttery garland for a mantel or an entire room. Or, hang them in your windows so they can be enjoyed from outside the house, too.

36. Piñata Poppers

Kids won't need blindfolds or bats to reap the small goodies in these little piñata "poppers." Simply pull the string, and the treats fall out. You'll find a photo of the piñatas and directions for making them at Parents.com.

37. Cinco de Mayo Mini Piñatas

These cute little piñatas are made with cone cups. Find the directions for this charming craft at Jodi Michelle.

38. Paper Fan Backdrop

To make a beautiful table backdrop using paper fans, go to The Pinning Mama for the instructions.

39. Chili Pepper Party Pom

I can imagine so many of these crafts used for summer parties. Decorate your patio, and have the neighbors over for some tacos. These are too cute not to show off! Find the easy instructions at OHMY! Creative.

40. Ojo de Dios (God's Eye) Craft

Ojo de Dios means God's Eye in Spanish. This traditional stick-and-yarn craft is almost meditative to make, and kids always seem to love it as much as adults do. The process is simple, but the results can be dazzling.

41. Giant Paper Pinwheels

Paper pinwheels aren't quintessentially Mexican, but they are playful symbols of spring and famously festive. These giant versions are even more fabulous! I've seen pinwheels arranged in a vase and also added to plants. Plus, kids love to run with them and make them spin.

42. Tissue Paper Tassels

Decorate for a party using tissue paper tassels like the ones above. Learn how to make them at Catch My Party.

43. Metal Sun Wall Art

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by making this beautiful metal sun wall art. The kids will love following the simple instructions on Kids Activities Blog to make their own shiny suns.

44. Creative Castanets Craft

Make your own musical castanets using the instructions in the easy video above. Clickety-clack!

45. Paper Bag Ponchos

If you are looking for a nice activity for the kids to keep them occupied while you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, get out some brown grocery bags and craft paints—and turn the kids loose to make ponchos. It's a safe and simple craft with lots of creative possibilities. Kids will have a blast decorating their ponchos with the instructions at Learn Create Love. Then, they get to wear their creations!

46. Sugar Skull Dolls

Aren't these marvelously macabre little dolls? Go to Blue Bear Wood to find the tutorial for making them so they can attend your festivities. They will surely be the "life" of the party!

47. Burro Finger Puppets

Make these cute burro finger puppets by following the tutorial at Crack of Dawn Crafts. This project will be enjoyed by both kids and adults, but kids will carry these darling donkeys off for keeps!

48. Cinco de Mayo Banner

The beautiful colors make this an outstanding Cinco de Mayo decoration. Find the tutorial for making this banner at The Inspiration Board.

49. Faux Tenango Embroidered Shirt

Tenango embroidery is a popular style of Mexican stitching that was made famous in the Hñähñu (or Otomi) communities in the mountains of the state of Hidalgo. In case you're not keen on sewing, though, you're in luck!

You can recreate Tenango embroidery with fabric puffy paints for a traditional look without needles or thread. Make a shirt like the one shown above by following the Crafty Chica tutorial.

50. Fringe Piñata Blindfold

If you are planning a Mexican-themed party for Cinco de Mayo, how about making a fringe piñata blindfold for each of your guests? You'll find the instructions for how to make them at Squirrelly Minds.

51. Taco Piñata

Now, that faux taco looks good enough to eat! You'll find the tutorial for making this taco piñata at Studio DIY.

52. Party Umbrella Wreath

You'll easily find a great place to display this beautiful, brightly colored umbrella wreath. All the information you'll need to make this wreath can be found at Simply Real Moms.

53. Simple Spanish Guitar Craft

Help your little one make this cardboard Spanish guitar by following the instructions at My Kid Craft. Together, you can decorate it with colors, cutouts, or paint.

54. Balero Cup-and-Ball Game

Kids love to make things they can play with like this colorful cup-and-ball game known as balero in Spanish. Historians think that the balero game was first made in Mexico's Yucatán peninsula between 250 and 950 B.C. At that time, skulls were used for the cups! This craft, of course, uses paper or plastic cups. Find the instructions at PBS Kids for Parents.

55. Cinco de Mayo Lighted Centerpiece

Beautiful candlelight shines from these decorated glass vases. Make a centerpiece like the one shown by going to OHMY! Creative for the instructions.

56. Piñata Sun Catcher

Even the littlest kids will enjoy making these sun catcher decorations to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Find the instructions for this craft at Inner Child Fun. This would be a great classroom project to get ready for the holiday.

57. Drink Stirrers

Dress up your party table with these drink stirrers. Go to Tell Love and Party for the directions.