What is cinco de mayo?On the fifth of May
Commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
Relatively minor holiday in Mexico
In the United States it is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage
Mariachi musicA form of folk music from Mexico
Originally only played with string instruments
Today, usually consist of as many as 8 violins, 2 trumpets, at least 1 guitar, and maracas
What are maracas?
A percussion instrument
May have originated among several ancient civilizations during the Stone Age period
The use of maracas has been traced through the artwork of pre-Columbian Indians
Let’s Play our Maracas!
http://listenlearnmusic.com/2008/11/everyone-is-doing-maraca-rock.html
Resources
http://www.history.com/topics/cinco-de-mayo
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-7/Maracas.html#b
http://taloolakids.com/paper-bag-maracas/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariachi#Bands