We are all familiar with the famous Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo. You probably know it for one of two reasons; either you know the historial context of the day or you know it for all the drinking associated with it and how many Americans seem to misrepresent Mexicans with their stereotypes. But, do Americans know what happened that day or why Mexicans celebrate it?
According to U.S. News, the real history of Cinco de Mayo weaves together as a result of two wars — the French intervention in Mexico (also referred to as The Maximillian Affair) and the American Civil War. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army won an unlikely battle against French troops led by Napoleon III during the battle of Puebla, which was one of the most important Spanish colonial cities in Mexico at the time. The then-Mexican president, Benito Juárez, decreeded that there would be a celebration of the battle held each year on May 5 in remembrance. In the years that followed, Mexicans and Latinos who lived in the U.S. began celebrating Cinco de Mayo with parades and speeches of how this battle fits into the larger narrative of abolition. The celebration intensified when the wave of Mexican migration into the U.S. joined the celebration without really knowing about it. They used this celebration to showcase the importance of their culture and to celebrate their Mexican ethnic identity.
Cinco de Mayo is, for Mexicans and Latinos, more than just the original intention of celebrating the victory of a battle. It’s a way in which they can be represented and celebrated. Unfortunately, some Americans have also joined the celebration but have twisted it in a way that makes this day more of a celebration of alcohol. In a way, by doing this, they have reshaped the way this day is mostly celebrated; from parades and discussions of the importance of this battle, to a drinking day in which the misinterpretation and stereotyping of Mexicans and Latinos is the norm. Such is the case of ABC’s Lara Spencer, who wore a sombrero and adopted an accent on what she called “Cinco de Drinko” in 2014, according to CNN.
This is not the proper way it should be celebrated. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating an important day by having a celebratory drink but those who are celebrating Cinco de Mayo should at least acknowledge the reason they are celebrating and know the true meaning behind this misinterpreted holiday.
