Cinco de Mayo
Yes, today is Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May in Spanish). Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday. Not to be confused with the Mexican Independence Day which is actually celebrated on September 16th, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the initial victory of Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. The date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry, much as St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, and the Chinese New Year are used to celebrate those of Irish, German, and Chinese ancestry, respectively. Similar to those holidays, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origin. Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols, such as the Vírgen de Guadalupe, and from prominent figures of Mexican descent in the United States, such as César Chávez.
I know what I’m doing this evening. I’ll be heading out to indulge in some Mexican food!
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