Published: September 8, 2023 | Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Learn how to make a colorful Mexican paper chain in minutes! This easy DIY decoration is perfect for Hispanic celebrations, Mexican parties, and even fun classroom activities during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Check out this post in Spanish Cadenas de papel para las fiestas patrias
You can use them to decorate walls or floats at parades, and what will give them that special touch is the colors you choose.
This papercraft is so easy, we can do it with kids to decorate a party. The materials are very affordable. My five-year-old daughter helped me make them, and we had a great time.
Let’s see how to make a three-color paper chain for patriotic celebrations. Have fun!
What paper could you use for paper chains?
- Tissue Paper. This kind of paper can be so easy to tear, so you must be careful when using it.
- Crepe Paper. My favorite paper to make paper chains. I think most Mexican people use this kind. Also, you can save time using crepe paper rolls, size is perfect for this craft.
- Construction paper. Paper garlands would be more sturdy when used with construction paper. Here in the US, I’ve seen children and teachers at school making colorful chains with this paper. Like this Mickey Mouse chain paper that a friend made for a party. We also made some props for a photobooth.
HOW TO MAKE A PAPER CHAIN step by step
Materials
- Tissue paper or crepe paper (red, white, and green)
- Stapler (or glue stick)
- Scissors
Cut several strips of tissue paper of the same length, approximately about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long or the desired size. ((You can also use rolls of crepe paper; they look prettier, and you won’t have to cut them.)
Take one strip of tissue paper, form a circle, and staple the ends.
Insert the next paper strip through the circle, form another loop, and secure the ends.
Repeat the process until your chain is as long as you want.
Mix colors for a Mexican party, use green, white, and red.
Hang your paper chain as decoration for a Mexican party, Hispanic celebration, or even in the classroom.
Paper chains for the Mexican Theme parties
These paper garlands are very decorative I used them to decorate a DIY Mexican party photobooth.
You can place several tablecloths against the wall. In this case, I used the Mexican flag colors red, white, and green.
Then I hung the garland paper chain in front of the tablecloths. And that´s it. It made a great and simple DIY Mexican fiesta photo booth.
Check out my video
The guests were dressed in traditional Mexican costumes. I made a DIY mariachi costume for my son, along with some DIY papel picado!
When to use Mexcian paper Chains
Paper chains are an easy and affordable way to decorate for:
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Cinco de Mayo
- Mexican Independence Day
- Birthday parties with a Mexican theme
- School cultural events
Remember that food and drinks are also important in a Mexican party. Try Mexican recipes like Picadillo tostadas, beef fajitas, and beef tongue in salsa to celebrate Independence Day.
Making a Mexican paper chain is a simple craft that brings lots of color and joy to any celebration. With just a few materials, you can create a festive decoration that highlights Hispanic culture in a fun and creative way.
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