Play a Mexican Hat Dance

A Cinco de Mayo celebration with the kids demands a hat dance! Try the traditional dance from Mexico with the kiddies. It's a fun activity for a group and will teach them a bit about the history of the culture.

Summary: A traditional Mexican dance that's also a fun party game.

Recommended # of Players: at least 3 or 4

Ages: 4+ (the younger kids can dance, too)

Supplies: sombreros - one less the number of kids playing the game. For example, if you have six children dancing, have five sombreros (though you can pass out a sombrero to each child once the game is over, so get six!)

Set Up: Clear a space large enough for the kids gather in a circle to dance around  sombreros to traditional Mexican music.

How to Play:

Place sombreros in a circle on the floor.

The kids should stand around them in a bigger circle.

Play Mexican-style music while the kids dance around the sombreros.

When the music stops, kids find a sombrero to wear.

The one without a hat is out of the game. Continue playing until only one child is left with a sombrero.

Then, hand out a sombrero to each child as a party favor and prize.

A Short History of the Mexican Hat Dance

The Mexican Hat Dance, known in Mexico as Jarabe Tapatio in Spanish, was first created and danced in the early 20th century to to celebrate Mexican independence. The classic performance of the dance tells the story of love and courtship, and is performed by a couple or several couples on the dance floor.