So lets start with a little history lesson first for those of you getting ready to shove limes in your Dos Equis. No reward without effort, stay thirsty my friends!
The 5th of May is not Mexico’s independence day. That would be September 16th. So why do we get drunk and devour salsa in May? Well because we (Americans) celebrate any great excuse for a party. There is a great reason behind this date however if you know a bit of South Western History. Which growing up there – I do! I saw some beautiful images this week on the engines main search pages and was drawn to their vibrance. Before I left Arizona, I had collected the colors of the southwest. Bright prints , straw flowers, roses in bloom and Los Muertos characters. I find I crave the thick glass pitchers I saw 20 years ago in Nogales. If we only knew then what we knew now right? I plan on going back and buying as much as I can one day… So this week got my history and craft geek going.
History – Battle of the Puebla. The French invaded. The Mexican citizens of Puebla defeated, thus also saving the US because we were next on the list. At that time we were still deep in the Civil War, and of course if the French had assisted the Confederates by moving South from Mexico into the lower US, the North may have had much different news today.
So what were these Brightly Colored Banners I was seeing all over? For years and years I had seen them all over Nogales and South Tucson during any celebration including weddings. Those are the prettiest next to the Los Muertos ones as they are white and lacy. Strung on a fine piece of twine across walkways, backyard patios and dimly lit awnings and outside dinning patios in restaurants.
Papel Picado is a very time-honored craft of cutting tissue paper into intricate lace like designs. If you look closely however you will see how similar this is to Filet Crochet. This is what sparked my bark.
So want the kids to make some? Of course you do because you being the awesome Parent you are, see the history lesson, art lesson and the keep your kids busy for an hour opportunity here. An EASY instructable is here for kids, and here. For you wanting to do a big kid version like the beautiful one above, Google Papel Picado on Images for inspiration and cut out printables. This simple pattern will get you started then try these printables.
So for you yarnies.. this brought me to my Filet Inspiration.If these could be crafted from brightly colored tissue paper, why not bust my stash with something that would last a bit longer and could be taken out for the Day of the Dead as well? Or just hung in my pueblo all year long?
Filet Crochet – Los Muertos Papel Picado Doily – Free Download on Ravelry
The Phoenix or Mexican Bird Filet Crochet – Ravelry free Download
For Good Measure there had to be a Swallow – Download
There should always be a Rooster or two.
Do You Link Party?
Clucking Good Times 
Thanks for the info (the mini history lesson). I knew Cinco de Mayo wasn’t the Mexican Independence Day, but I didn’t know much about the battle. I love all the paper banners, so it’s fun to read more about that as well.