In bars all over the United States they are preparing their sombreros and tequila shots in advance of one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year, Cinco De Mayo....or for us gringos, the 5th Of May. But Why do we celebrate it?
If you ask most Americans, the popular beleif is that the 5th of May comemorates Mexico's Independance Day....this however is completly false.
Mexico's Independance Day is celebrated on September 16th, and in reality Cinco De Mayo is all but ignored within the borders of our neighbor to the South. The holiday actually commemorates the victory of Mexican troops over the invading French at the first Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
One year later, as a propaganda move in order to rally support and galvanize Mexicans living in California to support then Mexican president Benito Juarez and his troops from a second invasion by the french, Californians threw a party to celebrate the previous years victory of Puebla on the 5th of May. Cinco De Mayo.....
Unfortunately the celebration didn't work quite the way they were expecting and after two months of heavy fighting the French defeated the Mexican troops, but the struggle became a symbol of heroic resistance for Mexicans living in California, and has been celebrated every year since.
Today, like most holidays certain commercial interests, in this case beer a liquor companies, have taken it upon themselves to diligently market the holiday nation-wide throughout in order to do what they do best......sell stuff.
.....and as we all know, most americans need little in the way of an excuse to party.
So this Cinco De Mayo, as you raise your Corona or that shot of Cuervo remember, VIVA AMERICAN CONSUMERISM!........and don't forget to tip you bartender....
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