The Southern Cultural Heritage Center is gearing up for its first ever Cinco de Mayo children’s art workshop.

“We want to enlighten the kids about the holiday,” said Annette Kirklin, SCHC director. “We want to give cultural enrichment to the community.”

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “fifth of May.” It is an annual holiday that celebrates the Mexican defeat of the French in the 1862 Battle of Puebla.

If you go

A children’s Cinco de Mayo workshop will be from 3:45 to 5 p.m. May 5 at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. Kathy Gibson, a Vicksburg High School art instructor, will teach the workshop, and Vernon Anaya, a Mexico native, will speak. Cost is $10 per child, ages 5 and older, and supplies are included. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 601-631-2997 or e-mail info@southernculture.org.

During Cinco de Mayo, people celebrate with Mexican food and music.

The workshop, set for May 5 and open to children 5 and older, will feature Vernon Anaya, a Mexico native who will share stories from his home country and authentic Mexican food. Kathy Gibson, a Vicksburg High School art teacher, will lead the art portion of the workshop. Children will create parrot maracas and the ‘Eye of God’ weave designs.

“The workshop is a great way for kids to learn about the holiday in a fun and creative way,” said Kirklin.

Cost is $10 per child. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 601-631-2997 or e-mail info@southernculture.org.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchanprasith@vicksburgpost.com