Fifth of May

The Fifth of May is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and the United States. It is also known as Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for “Fifth of May”. The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862, in the city of Puebla, Mexico.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. It is also not an excuse to drink margaritas and wear sombreros (although it has become quite the tradition in the United States).

In fact, Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in Puebla with parades and reenactments of the battle. The holiday also carries a significant historical and cultural value for Mexican Americans, who have made it a major celebration of their heritage and pride.

Unfortunately, in recent years, Cinco de Mayo has also become a prime example of cultural appropriation, with non-Latinx people using it as an excuse to indulge in offensive stereotypes and caricatures. It’s pretty ironic when you think about it – a holiday that celebrates the defeat of an oppressive invading force is now exploited as an excuse to promote harmful stereotypes.

So let’s make a resolution this Fifth of May: let’s celebrate Mexican culture with respect and dignity, and use this holiday as an opportunity to learn more about the history and traditions of our neighbors to the south. And if that means having a few margaritas and wearing a sombrero in the process, well, who are we to argue with a good time?