You are invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as it hosts its annual Fiesta de la Familia on Sunday, September 15. Make traditional paper flowers, create a unique piece of Mexican folk art, and make your own Guatemalan worry doll that, according to folklore, will remove worries when placed under your pillow.
Music
Music is the heartbeat of Hispanic culture, filled with dynamic rhythms and soulful melodies. Introduce your children to different types of Latin music, starting with the lively sounds of a mariachi band.
To be more interactive at home, create homemade maracas. Decorate empty toilet paper rolls, fill them with beans or rice, close them tightly, and let your kids shake to the beat. Add to the fun with DIY castanets made from cardboard folded in half with bottle caps inside. Your kids can make music while you show off your salsa or tango moves.
Food
Food is a delicious way to explore and appreciate a culture. Go beyond the familiar tacos and burritos by researching and cooking traditional Hispanic dishes from different countries. Try making pupusas from El Salvador, pastel de choclo from Chile or gorditas from Mexico. Each dish reflects its country’s unique heritage. Don’t forget the sweets! Little ones are sure to love tres leches cake, churros or conchas.
Crafts
Unleash your kid’s creativity with traditional Hispanic crafts. Papel picado, or “perforated paper,” is a colorful decoration used in many Hispanic celebrations. You can buy papel picado or make your own with tissue paper and scissors.
Another fun craft is making paper flowers, which are a staple in Mexican festivities. Use vibrant colored paper and simple folding techniques to create beautiful blooms that brighten up any space.
Luminaries are another traditional decor in Hispanic culture. These are often made from paper bags with designs punched into them. Then, all you have to do is insert a small battery-operated tea light. They add a magical glow to pathways and entrances any time of year.
No fiesta is complete without a piñata! Instead of the traditional stick-breaking piñata, try one that opens with a pull of a string for safer, indoor fun. Just take an empty toilet paper roll, decorate it, stuff it with small candy and tape shut. Pull the string to shower the kids with goodies.
Language
Many kids already know words like “rodeo,” “tortilla” and “lasso.” Building on this foundation can boost their confidence and appreciation for the language. A fun game you might try at home is called Lotería. It’s a popular game similar to bingo. Each player has a card with images, and the caller announces cards in Spanish. The first player to cover a row shouts “Lotería!” It’s a fun way to practice Spanish.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your children while celebrating the rich, diverse traditions of Hispanic culture through music, food, crafts, and games. Ojalá lo disfrutes (hopefully you’ll enjoy it)!
