The spring months are fast approaching which means time for outdoor events, barbecues and other gatherings for friends and family. Most of these events are sanctioned around popular holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July. These holidays serve a significant purpose of celebrating historical triumphs and celebrating the lives of important figures in our community and in our personal lives. These holidays are all well and good until they turn into an excuse to drink alcohol and ignore the actual significance of these holidays.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 to honor the life of the Patron Saint of Ireland who spread Christianity throughout Ireland and taught Christianity by using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Major cities in the U.S. with a strong influx of Irish-American immigrants hold lavish celebrations, festivals and parades to celebrate this holiday such as Boston, New York, Chicago and Pittsburgh. Even though this holiday is steeped in the tradition of wearing green and shamrocks in Ireland, it has evolved in America to involve drinking in heavy excess and pub or bar hopping throughout the day trying to find the best pint.
An article in the Chicago Tribune found that on St. Patrick’s Day, “spending in the U.S. has climbed to more than 4 billion dollars annually.” That’s a lot of alcohol and green drinks. But this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, Time magazine states that until the late 1970s, pubs in Ireland were actually closed on this holiday because it fell within the season of Lent. Strict Catholics felt it was sinful to indulge in drinking during lent.
Another unofficial drinking holiday in the U.S. is Cinco De Mayo. According to the History Channel, on May 5 the Mexican people celebrate the unlikely victory against France in the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war in the late 1800s. In Mexico, this holiday isn’t heavily celebrated, but in the U.S. it’s become an excuse for people to wear sombreros and down tequila. It’s evolved to the point that the pride of Mexican heritage on this day has led people to confuse this day with Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on Sept. 16.
These holidays represent the histories of both of these countries and hold strong symbolism of national pride for immigrants from both Ireland and Mexico. Over the years, the truth behind these celebrations has been overshadowed by over-the-top alcoholic displays that Americans tend to put on in solidarity with these immigrants. But if that’s the reason, then why encourage the stereotypes that come with these cultures? Don’t call yourself an Irish drunkard, leprechaun, a mariachi or a “border-jumper.” That is perpetuating the toxic stereotypes that these immigrants face every day and it turns a celebration of their culture into a day to correct the ignorance of others. There is nothing wrong with drinking some tequila or Guinness on these holidays since these countries do both create these alcoholic beverages, but don’t make it the reason and only way you celebrate these holidays.
