It just hit me today, the 5th of May, that I should be starting some kind of Cinco de Mayo tradition with my half-Mexican daughter, and I don’t mean eating beans and rice at the local Mexican restaurant. I have plenty of inspiration from Rebecca of Fosterhood, didn’t she take her one year old to Puerto Rico for her birthday? And celebrate the Jewish holidays with her? And take her other (black) child to African dance class? What have I done in the way of promoting Jo Jo’s heritage, if you don’t count putting her feet into Dora shoes (and I don’t)?
In the city where I work, there are Mexican cooking classes offered to children for free on Cinco de Mayo. So that may be an option in the future. Another nearby city has a zoo that celebrates Mexican heritage and culture all day on the Sunday closest to Cinco de Mayo. I could’ve gone with her yesterday… but I totally forgot about this. Still, something for the future.
A lengthy google search for Mexican community resources in my State only returned numerous listings for Mexican restaurants and bars. I seriously need to find a volunteer Mexican Aunty for my little girl!
Update
So apparently there is a Dia de los Muertos festival both on the West and East sides of my state (I live in the middle), so that’s good to know. I especially like this Mexican holiday because it goes so nicely with the pagan holiday of Samhain, and my favorite secular holiday: Halloween. Apparently November 1st is reserved in Mexico for the returning souls of infants and children, so that will be extra special to me. There was a Cinco de Mayo parade yesterday in one nearby city, so shucks, missed out on that.
I found a Spanish immersion preschool an hour from home, so it’s too bad we don’t live there. I just can’t see myself living an hour away from my free babysitter (aka grandma). They have a free playgroup the first Saturday of every month though.
I have a co-worker who has two adopted (non-sibling) daughters from Mexico, so even though her girls are teenagers now, I will be using her as a resource!
Mother of All Things 
Keeping in mind that Mexicans barely celebrate Cinco de Mayo at all. It’s really an Americanized holiday. I live on the border in a population that is 99% Hispanic. Nothing special is happening here.
That’s true, but I thought it might be a good day to simply learn about Mexico in some way.
If it makes you feel any better, I am pretty sure I saw something stating that Cinco de Mayo is actually more of an American tradition, although I don’t remember how credible the source of that information was.
You have lots of time for creating traditions. I feel the same pull though, but right now, just getting through holidays in an enjoyable fashion is a worthwhile tradition for us. 🙂
Oops. I didn’t see that comment as I replied from email.
First, don’t compare yourself to what other moms do. You are amazing. If you want to start a tradition with her, then do it, but don’t compare. 🙂