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By Melvin Twigg Mason
Similar to America’s July 4 celebration, the Cinco de Mayo holiday is a celebration of Mexico’s victorious resistance to France’s desired occupation of Mexico City. It is not, however, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is not widely celebrated here in the U.S. That occurs in September and commemorates its freedom from Spain in 1821.
According to the U.S. Library of Congress, Cinco de Mayo is about a particular struggle between Mexico and France. Napoleon Bonaparte III, then emperor of France, wanted to establish a North American presence and control in Mexico. In the Spring of 1862, he sent an elite military force to take the capital city of Mexico but was met and defeated by President Benito Juarez’s ragtag forces at the city of Puebla, located about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City. That victory, on the 5th of May, was such a morale boost for the otherwise struggling country that it became an annual day of celebration!
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Photo: courtesy of Rodnae Productions
Cinco de Mayo can be much more than a day for tacos and tequila. Much like our Civil War re-enactors in the U.S., many Mexicans and Mexican-Americans around this country and particularly in Mexico commemorate the day by dressing up as Mexican and French soldiers to reenact the Battle of Puebla. Other ways to observe Cinco de Mayo include Mariachi music and dancing, authentic ethnic foods, colorful costumes and decorations, parades, and fireworks. Perhaps look into enjoying some books, art, or movies by great Mexican authors and filmmakers like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Octavio Paz, and Guillermo Del Torro. If taking in a local fiesta sounds appealing, check into Cinco de Mayo with The Labra Brothers at the Music Box Supper Club.
How ever you decide to celebrate the day, at the very least, keep in mind that it is a time to commemorate people of color who were seeking freedom from tyranny and oppression, and raise a glass to their honorable memory!
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