Added: 01/09/2007 |
Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in America?Although it is not an American holiday, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States every year. May 5th, or Cinco de Mayo as it is said in Spanish is a time to celebrate freedom. Just like the American July 4th Holiday celebrates liberty, Cinco de Mayo has a rich history behind it. Joining the American armies sometime after the bombing at Pearl Harbor, Mexicans were ready and willing to support with their lives the troops who had come to their aid in a time of dire need.
Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of this remarkable defeat of the French as it is said that sometime that day the victory was secured. El Cinco de Mayo holiday is thought by some as an excuse to throw wild parties and they don’t even know what they are celebrating! American’s don’t really need a reason to celebrate though, do we?
Cinco de Mayo is a special time in the classrooms of American Spanish teachers. This day is used to expose students to the Spanish culture. Little talk of the war waging between the French and the Mexicans is mentioned, however t he fare is tasted and the colors displayed. In most junior high schools, Mexican flags can be seen draped over the windows or laced across chalk boards. The smell of tacos and burritos fills the halls and everyone comes to eat. The cafeteria business is on the slight end this day….as it should be everyday! The schools partake in dancing and making straw hats and baskets in order to “get in touch” with the culture. There are paintings and rugs brought in by the teacher (the same ones every year) that she bought when she went to Mexico on a fact finding excursion. The teacher will show off Spanish writings and books she picked up at the five and dime store. An authentic purse hand woven in front of her by a Mexican immigrant at a craft show, and maybe even a potter’s wheel on which a very famous piece of pottery was made. The Mexican culture is rich with artisans and craftsmen who take great pride in their work.
Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is really not a holiday at all. Actually, it is a sad situation. As many are unfamiliar with the history of the holiday, the only significant event that takes place that day is the dismissal of children from school for the day. While some people celebrate the day with a Fiesta of food, color and dance, there are others who do not celebrate at all!
In the streets of Mexico, however, is another thing. Crafts are plentiful and of great selection as many crafters and hand woven goods come to the city for the Fiesta por Cinco de Mayo! Chidren’s workshops are available to help the little ones begin basket weaving or crafting rugs and shawls. Music is also heard along small streets you may travel. For those who do choose to participate, Latin classical and traditional music is sung and celebrated, remembering the Mexican culture. Tropical drinks and festive foods are offered by people in the city on Cinco de Mayo. Short of a block party, the Mexican people simply do not put a lot of effort into celebrating this day.
Unlike Americans, who make up things just to celebrate everything…ever some things are really aren’t’ anything. From this we get t he term “Hallmark Holiday” meaning another holiday created by the card makers to do what? Sell more cards…what else?
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