I love Cinco de Mayo. 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.
The real Mexican holiday marking independence takes place in September.
This celebrates independence, yes, but more, culture and how we all own a bit of it by virtue of being American.
Food, drink, culture.
And more, so much more…
If we’re lucky enough to notice, its about us, all of us.
So, notice it, friends!
Dig deep if you need, or hold it lightly.
It all works…
And, so I hope my friends at the very least feel an inclination to lift a margarita in toast to that powerful part of our heritage.
Viva Mexico!
Viva the tapestry and all the possibilities for human dignity it promises, making us despite all our failures to live up to it, even yet, even yet, a beacon of hope to the world…
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