Spanish-speaking countries have several unique holidays, as well as special customs for widely celebrated holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Discussing these holidays and participating in holiday-related activities will help students broaden their world views as well as gain an appreciation for Hispanic culture.

Christmas
Explain that Spain and Latin American countries have many customs associated with Christmas. On Christmas Eve in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, families gather to pray around a manger scene and have a formal dinner at midnight. Mexico has the tradition of "las posadas." Each night from December 16 6 to December 24, a party is held in one of the neighboring houses. Children dressed as shepherd, angels and Mary and Joseph go in procession to the designated house followed by adults carrying candles. They sing a song outside the house, asking for shelter. The hosts sing a reply and open the doors, where a manger scene, food and a pinata await. Ask students to share their own holiday customs with the class.

Day of the Dead
Invite students to bring a photo of a friend or relative who has passed away. Explain that the Day of the Dead, or All Souls Day, is a Catholic holiday celebrated on November 2. Latin Americans often make an "altar" in their homes, on which they place skulls made of sugar and a candle for each deceased person. They also place photos, other mementos, flowers and food on the altar. Have each student place his or her photo on a class "memory wall" in lieu of an altar.

Easter
Explain that Easter is the most important holiday of the year in most Spanish-speaking countries and comes at the end of Semana Santa, or Holy Week. In Spain and Latin American, people celebrate Easter with parades that include floats with statues of Jesus, Mary and the disciples. In Guatemala and some other countries, people make "carpets" along the parade routes out of colored sawdust, leaves and flowers. Have students make their own Easter carpets by pressing colored sawdust into the top of a shoe box and decorating it with leaves and flower petals.

Cinco de Mayo
Explain that Cinco de Mayo is actually a bigger celebration among Mexicans in the United States than it is in Mexico. The holiday, celebrated on the fifth of May, commemorates the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexican militia defeated the French army in 1862. The event is widely celebrated in the city and state of Puebla but in few other places in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is usually the occasion for a "fiesta," which includes food, music and dancing. Plan a class Cinco de Mayo celebration with Mexican mariachi music, Mexican food and a pinata.