Happy Cinco!

Today is Cinco de Mayo – May 5. And a lot of hoopla has been going on for the past week at various restaurants, stores and tv networks regarding the big celebration and party. I’ve received a few of e-mails to celebrate at restaurants; others feature recipes and tips to hold a fabulous fiesta! You would think this was the same in Mexico – BUT IT ISN’T! Do the people promoting this here in the states even know what this date stands for in Mexican history? Most likely no. Here a brief recap :

On May 5, in 1862 (who knew, almost a month later to the day - 100 years later I would be born. Kinda funny – but I’m getting off subject, sorry) a battle ensued between French armed forces and the Mexican army in the city of Puebla. The Mexican army won and the state of Puebla continues to commemorate the day.

So not really cause for nationwide celebration in Mexico. Google didn’t even change its logo like it usually does for holidays, etc. Kind of funny that we make such a big deal of it here in the states. It’s if we were to celebrate the Battle of Bull Run nationwide or something. The whole Cinco de Mayo celebration here in the U.S. is a great big marketing hoopla. A good one at that. Too bad they don’t do the same on Mexico’s Independence Day - 16 de septiembre or September 16. But that one doesn’t roll of the tongue as easy on tv I guess.

So party on people – we’ve never officially celebrated this but we also don’t turn down a good party invite! Make it a celebration today - for whatever the reason.

16 de septiembre.....

Although celebretions have been going on all weekend for Mexican Independence Day, today Sept. 15, marks the eve of the start of the Mexican revolution against Spain in 1810. To commemorate the occasion, tonight at midnight Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon, will come out on the balcony of the Palacio de gobierno and address the crowd with the Grito de Independencia - Viva la Independencia, Viva Mexico, Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! This same traditional celebration takes place simultaneously throughout Mexico and in many cities across the U.S. where there is a large Mexican population. These celebrations are huge with mariachis, bailables, speeches from local dignitaries and of course GREAT food! Upon gaining its independence from Spain, Mexico had a vast territory including a large part of the U.S. - Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California and others. There is still much debate on how the U.S. acquired the territory from Mexico. But what is done is done and the past cannot be changed, we can only learn from it and try not to repeat its mistakes. It is great that we can now carry out and celebrate the traditions of our ancestors and past generations from Mexico so that we can remember and honor what they went through so we can be where we are today and move forward. Perhaps modifying some of these traditions to fit our lives today and making our own history for the generations to come. Click on http://www.inside-mexico.com/featureindep.htm to learn more. Viva Mexico, Viva America!