Why I Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, And Maybe Why You Might Want to, As well

Why I Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, And Maybe Why You Might Want to, As well May 5, 2015

cinco de mayoI do love Cinco de Mayo.

What a lot of folk may not know is how it is a quintessential American holiday. And by American I don’t mean that broader use standing for all of us who occupy the two continents bearing that name, I mean United Statesian.

Yes, it is observed in parts of Mexico, but like with St Patrick’s Day it is more our holiday, observed by immigrants who have become American, a nostalgic nod to the motherland. And, rather more, it has spread and become part of the tapestry of American celebration, a moment when we all can be Mexican as a part of our larger, complex identity. And with that to recall something of our true American uniqueness, that we are a gathering of many cultures and traditions.

The holiday traces its origins to a celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over the superior French forces in the battle of of the Puebla on this day in 1862. While the real Mexican holiday most akin to the 4th of July that’s celebrated in Mexico marking its independence takes place in September.

So, yes, this day celebrates independence from would be conquerors. But in many very true ways it has become something more. It is a time for us to celebrate the whole of Mexican culture, and as our holiday here in the States, how we all own a bit of it by virtue of being American. And, of course, are owned a bit, as well by virtue of our deep Mexican connections.

And, you know, in these days of such strife threatening the fabric of our country, perhaps it’s a good thing for us all to recall and to celebrate how big and complicated who we really are by virtue of being American. It is after all, something of a miracle, too rare in this world of ours.

So, even if its just with a margarita and a small toast.

Let’s celebrate!


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