For most people in the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a chance to down some tequila shots and Mexican beer. It's like the St. Patrick's Day for Mexican-Americans.
Here it is largely celebrated because of extensive marketing campaigns by beer and tequila companies.
While I'm all for fiestas, I think the holiday has been trivialized.
The truth is Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican defeat of the French Army in a battle in Puebla, is not even widely celebrated in Mexico. There the major celebration is 16 de septiembre - Mexican Independence Day - celebrated each Sept. 16.
Sure these holidays are a time to celebrate cultural pride, but we shouldn't do this only on one or two days a year.
There are plenty of issues facing the Latino and larger American community from education to housing and immigration. Those are issues we should focus on every day.
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I am a 35 yr old Hispanic Man living in Little Village and I am ashamed to admit that I didn't even know why we celebrate Cinco de Mayo until I read it in your blog.
My dad was born in Mexico but my mom was born here ,and my family is your traditional Mexican-American family, Spanish is what we speak at home and we eat tortillas with every meal, and I am a chef mind you, so Mexican traditions are very much instilled in our daily lives. Cinco De Mayo is not a "holiday" that is observed in our house; it never has been. On Sep. 16th we celebrate as proudly as we celebrate 4th of July.
Cinco De Mayo is an American holiday in my eyes. Yes it comes from an important event in Mexico's History but it seems that it is more important to the beer Industry than to anyone else.
A State Holiday for Mexican-American social justice icon, Cesar Chavez, would be a great way to celebrate Latino heritage. He was a peaceful but tireless advocate for exploited and mistreated farm workers and migrants. Cesar Chavez was known as the Gandhi of the fields and his pacifism inspired him to be a compassionate vegetarian who espoused human rights and animal rights. March 31 was the date of his birth.