Happy Cinco de Mayo?
More like (a bunch of) Hooey Cinco de Mayo.
Here’s why, an excerpt from the Los Angeles Times:
“If you’re in the United States, May 5 is an unofficial national holiday. Countless house parties, cultural festivals and bar specials will honor Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in which Mexican defenders beat back a powerful invading army from France.
“But if you’re in Mexico, today is … Que? It’s a holiday?
“Among the many contradictions and ironies of Mexican-U.S. relations is the curious case of Cinco de Mayo. It is a holiday in Mexico, yes, but not nearly as important to the national identity as, say, Independence Day (Sept. 16).
“Yet Cinco de Mayo remains a stubbornly prevalent excuse to party in the U.S., perhaps, some argue, because it is more culturally ‘safe’ than honoring Mexico’s independence. The phenomenon is similar to the affection Americans have for St. Patrick’s Day, where just about everyone is invited to don green and get in touch with their inner Irish.” (ed. note: Green beer is an American, not Irish, creation.)
“For his part, columnist and author Gustavo Arellano, has had it with Cinco de Mayo. Calling for an end to the ‘ridiculous’ celebration in the U.S., Arellano writes at the OC Weekly:
‘But celebrating Cinco de Mayo is ridiculous because it commemorates a victory that ultimately meant nothing. Sure, General Ignacio Zaragoza and his troops held off the French that glorious day of May 5, 1862, in Puebla, but the Mexican triumph was short-lived. When the French and Mexicans fought a year later on the same battlefield, the French whipped some Mexican pompi and ushered in a five-year occupation under the Hapsburg Maximillian.'”
Facts are facts and them’s the facts, folks.
Barefoot Blogger 
May 05, 2011 @ 21:17:35
I’d never heard of it before this week. (Mind you that doesn’t mean *that* much!)
May 06, 2011 @ 11:23:08
@Klopp – No, I suspect Cinco de Mayo remains a bit elusive in your neck of the woods. 😉
May 06, 2011 @ 00:08:48
It’s not always what one wants to hear, but I do love a good history lesson. Thanks!
May 06, 2011 @ 11:18:00
@Aubrey – Now pass it ’round to the misinformed the next time the gang raises a margarita to Mexican independence on Mayo cinco!
May 06, 2011 @ 03:11:12
While you are at it however, you could also draw parallels to the significance American history places on the Battle of Bunker (Breeds) Hill, celebrated, but militarily, a defeat for the colonists.
May 06, 2011 @ 11:22:20
@Expat – Not a good parallel. The Battle of Bunker Hill was not turned into a day of national celebration, neither one undeserved, as was Cinco de Mayo, on both counts.