5 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
In America, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage. In Mexico, the event recalls the patriotism born from the Mexicans' victory over the French in Puebla in 1861. As the name implies, the commemoration is held every fifth of May, some of whom may remember the tumultuous events during the nineteenth century.
Some historians believed that Napoleon III wanted to break the American Union by helping the southern Confederacy. Mexico's proximity could helped the Emperor of the Second French Empire succeed in his plans. The nephew of Napoleon I also dreamed of widening France's sphere of influence, so a force was sent to Veracruz. The Mexican troops, smaller and poorly equipped, were led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. But they prevailed over the French, the conflict akin to the David-versus-Goliath battle. Like the Battle of Rorke's Drift (in 1879), much have been written about this event, which was a morale boost to the Mexican people. It was a symbolic victory, even if France was able to set up the Second Mexican Empire a few years later.
Nowadays, schools organize events in able for students, especially the Mexican Americans, to look back at their legacy. But Cinco de Mayo tries to live for the moment, with lots of music and dancing. (It's no different from the July 4 celebration, with beer and barbecue to liven things up.) There are five ways to commemorate the event:
Have a drink of margarita. No one knows the exact origin of this cocktail and its inventor. But there were stories that it was first mixed in Mexico, in a restaurant between Tijuana and Rosarito. In another tale, it was Ensanada. Then there was another account, at the El Paso-Juárez area. It doesn't matter which one was true, as all you want is a good time. Many major cities in the US celebrate Cinco de Mayo by getting their throats drenched by margarita, icy cold or chilled.
Join the parade. Colorful floats. Folklorico dancers. Mariachi music. What better way to feel like a Mexican for a day, but don't forget to have a glass of margarita on one hand.
Organize your own party. A Mexican-themed get-together can be fun, with the ladies donning colorful dresses and the men with sombreros. Decorations can be highlighted with a piñata, a fixture in any occasion in Latin America. Add some salsa and chips, plus a margarita, and expect the atmosphere to be festive in a few minutes.
Let the kids take part in the arts. Mexico reeks of culture, with city-states, kingdoms, and empires thriving long before Hernán Cortés setting foot on Mexican soil. Children can learn how to make chili pepper napkin rings, a tissue paper Mexican flag, or an Aztec-inspired mosaic plate. Not only their creative skills will develop, but parents can also spend some quality time with them.
Go to Puebla. Although Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage, it's less significant than what takes place on September 16, which is the Independence Day of Mexico. But Puebla is the site of that historical battle, so the event is mainly celebrated there. The province offers more, like the lake and mountains in Nexaca. Then there's the Great Pyramid of Cholula. The Uriarte Talavera pottery workshop too. The list goes on.
