Commemorates the resilience and rich culture of the Mexican populace, Cinco de Mayo does.
Celebrating the Spirit of Mexico: Cinco de Mayo
Across the nation, towns and cities are decked out in vibrant colors, the air filled with the aroma of tacos, tequila, and mariachi music - all in honor of Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican culture, even though it's not always the most authentic.
The holiday falls on a Monday this year, with most celebrations occurring over the weekend. California, a state with a large Mexican American population, welcomed an array of art displays, classic car shows, parades, and food truck offerings. In Austin, Texas, festivities included a photo booth with characters from the Disney animated musical "Encanto," a celebration of Mexican culture in its own right. A luncheon with speakers discussing the significance of the Mexican holiday and Mexican Americans in Austin is scheduled for Monday.
Here's a look at the history and significance of this memorable day:
What it's all about
Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. This triumph over the better-equipped and larger French army was an enormous emotional boost for Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza.
In Mexico, historical reenactments are held annually in the central city of Puebla to commemorate the victory. Participants dress as Mexican and French troops, and as Zacapoaxtlas - the Indigenous and farmer contingent that helped Mexican troops win.
In the United States, the date is seen as a celebration of Mexican American culture, a tradition that can be traced back to the 1800s in California. Typical festivities include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions, and ballet folklórico performances, featuring whirling dancers in bright, ruffled dresses and their hair adorned with shiny ribbons.
Ad Disclaimer:May find yourself tempted to indulge in tequila shots and Mexican cuisine, but remember there's more to the story than stereotypes of fake mustaches and oversized sombreros.
Beyond Tacos and Tequila
For many Americans with or without Mexican heritage, the day is an opportunity to appreciate their ancestry, even though some may not fully understand its historical relevance.
The commercialization of the holiday has led some to question whether it always reflects the genuine essence of Mexican culture. Sehila Mota Casper, director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, encourages people to embrace the history behind the holiday and appreciate its significance in Mexico.
Jacob Troncoza, a proud Mexican American, celebrates Cinco de Mayo every year, making sure his children understand its significance - the revolution, the battles fought by their ancestors.
For others, like Andrea Ruiz, the holiday's irony isn't lost, particularly considering the political rhetoric around Mexican immigrants. Outspoken critics like Trump, while labeling Mexican immigrants as criminals and gang members, embrace the celebrations when it comes to tacos and tequila.
Political Polarization
Since returning to the White House, Trump has continued to label Mexican immigrants as criminals and gang members, and sought to end birthright citizenship, rename the Gulf of Mexico, and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Trump acknowledged Cinco de Mayo during his first term, but it's unclear if the current administration will openly celebrate the holiday. It's a designated holiday in Mexico but not in the United States.
Ad Disclaimer:Trump's stance on immigration remains divisive, with the majority supporting his tough stance, according to a recent poll. But it's interesting to note the irony of many who rail against Mexican immigrants enthusiastically celebrating Cinco de Mayo for the cultural festivities and cuisine.
Organizers of Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade cancelled the event due to increased immigration enforcement in the city.
Source: Associated Press writers Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
- Despite questions about its authenticity, cities across the nation, such as Seattle, celebrate the spirit of Mexico on Cinco de Mayo with vibrant displays, parades, and food truck offerings.
- In addition to the aroma of tacos and tequila, Seattle's streets might be filled with laughter and lively discussions about general news and politics during the celebrations.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry, too, celebrates Cinco de Mayo, with ballet folklórico performances showcasing whirling dancers in bright, ruffled dresses and their hair adorned with shiny ribbons.
- Relationships within the Mexican American community are also highlighted during Cinco de Mayo, as proud Mexican Americans like Jacob Troncoza ensure their children understand the holiday's significance, such as the revolution and the battles fought by their ancestors.
- The government's stance on immigration can influence whether cities choose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, as seen in Chicago, where organizers cancelled the parade due to increased immigration enforcement.
- Some critics, like Trump, label Mexican immigrants as criminals and gang members, yet they still embrace the celebrations for the cultural festivities and cuisine, displaying a polarized attitude towards the holiday's political and cultural significance.
- Across multiple sectors, including jobs, politics, and lifestyle, Cinco de Mayo serves as a time for Americans with or without Mexican heritage to appreciate their ancestry and the rich history behind the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla.
