Diego Santiago
Bring out the music, sombreros, carne asada and don’t forget about the tequila; Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner.
But what exactly are we celebrating?
“I believe we are celebrating the Independence of Mexico,” said Patty Velasquez, who is Hispanic and is majoring in liberal studies.
Unfortunately, she is wrong.
Actually, most people living in the United States are wrong when asked that same question. After all, the United States has one of the lowest history school standards in the world.
Compared to Japan or Germany, most Americans are not great history buffs.
But then again, the question is not very fair.
If we don’t even know our own history well enough, why should we know about Mexico’s history, right?
Well, let me start by making it clear that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s independence. That occurred on Sept. 16, 1810, and has since been celebrated to the maximum throughout the country.
Cinco de Mayo occurred on “cinco de Mayo” or May 5 to the non-Spanish speakers out there.
But, the year was 1862, about 52 years after Mexico won its independence from Spain.
Here’s the real reason for the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
The French landed in Mexico with the excuse of collecting debts from the newly elected government in early 1862.
Maximilian commanded a French army which was undefeated for over 50 years at that time.
Besides their will to conquer Mexico, the French also brought the finest modern equipment of that century. They were superior with their weapons and their numbers.
About 4,000 Mexican soldiers fought an army twice their size.
To make a long story short, there were shootings, there was blood and there were deaths; another typical war with violence and brutality. Except that this ending was anything but typical.
Incredibly enough, the humble Mexican Army stopped the French only 100 miles from the nation’s capital.
Puebla was the scene of a battle that possibly saved Mexico from being conquered. Thanks to General Zaragoza and his troops, France was defeated.
Ever since, Cinco de Mayo is recognized all over the country, but generally the biggest commemoration takes place in Puebla.
I say commemorated because surprisingly enough, Cinco de Mayo is not extremely huge in Mexico and it is not widely “celebrated.”
Of course there are always people who gather the family around and have a good time, but that is not the case with the majority of Mexicans. Schools and restaurants are generally open and people go to work as if it was a regular day.
So, why is this event so celebrated in the United States?
Many experts believe that it is because of the large quantity of Mexican-Americans who reside in the country.
Others believe that without this battle, the United States could have been attacked as well, since the American Civil War was going on at that time and the country was somewhat vulnerable.
I tend to believe the real reason for all the festivities is simply because Americans love to party.
It might sound a little weird, but the fact that we celebrate an international holiday more enthusiastically than the actual country in which the event it honors occurred, is a little scary. Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is almost turning into a national holiday. Every year, the celebrations get bigger and bigger.
Stores all over are offering “Cinco de Mayo discounts” and huge events will be occurring on that date.
For example, the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight is becoming the talk of the town.
Why was “Cinco de Mayo” chosen as the date for the fight?
Simple, promoters know that many families will gather together that night to “celebrate” the holiday, so the chances for a family to order the pay-per-view event are high.
With slogans like “Cinco de Hoya,” it is clear that this holiday is growing in commercial interest more than anything else.
But the fact is that most people will be celebrating a holiday with an unknown reason.
I do not disagree with people partying that day, simply because I’ll party myself as well, but I do disagree with the ignorance surrounding this holiday.
Now that you know what Cinco de Mayo is all about, bring out the tequila and let’s party, amigos.
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