Photo by dbking
You have no idea how touchy my Chilango (i.e. Mexico City born and raised) husband got when I told him I wanted the three of us to actually celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Why would a Mexican not want to celebrate a Mexican holiday? Well, because this is a holiday that, truth be told, has become very commercial – like most every other holiday – and, thus, has lost it’s true meaning. Aside from the fact that this isn’t even an official holiday in Mexico. It’s really just a page in their history book.
Cinco de Mayo is not the date of the Mexican Independence, as many believe. That would be September 16th – the most honored and celebrated day in México. So, why is Cinco de Mayo such an important and festive date in the U.S.? What did happen on May 5th, 1862? This is the date that a meager but mighty Mexican army defeated the glorious French invaders in the Battle of Puebla. For Mexicans living on this side of the border it has become symbolic of their nationalism and heritage. It has become the day to celebrate and have pride in anything Mexican: food, drinks, music, dance, traditions.
I want Camila to be in touch with her various roots as much as possible. This is one opportunity for her to feel the heart of México lindo y querido that I’m not going to pass up. We will go to the fiestas, drink horchatas, eat chile in all its forms, sing out loud to all the nostalgic mariachi songs and celebrate the country we adore.
My husband now gets that our daughter is being raised here, in this melting pot of a society, where we all hold on to our cultures the best way we can. And that a celebration sponsored by X-brand of tequila can’t be that bad after all!
Watch this video to learn and teach your children more about the history of Cinco de Mayo:
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srYi5eUZ1xI
Check out these sites with some great Cinco de Mayo activities to do with kids:
School Family-Cinco de Mayo worksheets
Apples4theTeacher–Cinco de Mayo Activities – Mexico Games, coloring pages, crafts for kids, word searches
Foreign Language Fun–Resources for teaching Spanish learners about Cinco de Mayo
Links to ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo:
The Huffington Post–5 Fun Ways to Celebrate
HomeAway–Cinco de Mayo: Why (And Where) Are We Celebrating?
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I’m pretty sure Cinco de Mayo is mainly Mexican, although I thought it would be noticed in the rest of Central America, but they don’t even look in its direction. The further south you go, the least of those traditions exist. Costa Rica, doesn’t even celebrate Day of the Dead!
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My chilango husband thinks I’m kinda crazy when I put on my red, white, and green Cinco de Mayo dress to wear for my high schoolers, but he’s getting used to it. When I was in el D.F. last month, I was correcting my young niece’s Mexican history. Most chilangos I meet think we Americans are a little crazy for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. But I’ll take whatever special days I can get to teach Mexican culture.
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Oh I can relate to your husband 200%!! And I’m not even Mexican! Ha ha, but I lived in Mexico for 3 years before I moved to Los Angeles and when I got here and still to this moment I don’t understand why they have to make a big deal of it and even say “Happy 5 de Mayo”!
But, yes what you say about hanging on the cultures no matter what makes sense… but it’s hard!! No me gusta celebrar el 5 de Mayo!
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LOL. Any reason to sell beer and party is the American way. But still, at least there is some recognition that something Mexican is cool. So in a way, it’s better than nothing as a way to hold on to some heritage.
But just for fun, ask a real Irish person how they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle.
I love you guys sooo much. I always learn something muy bueno here. Mua!
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I had no idea about 5 de mayo, my history knowledge is pretty bad. Happy day to all the Mexicans and hope that the Swine flu ends soon!
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Que lindo Ana! Your daughter is such a lucky girl to have such rich legacies to stand tall on. Que orgullo por sus raíces!
Viva México Cañones!!!!
I’m with you on 5 de mayo. I see it as an opportunity for cultural unity and also to educate others about Latino/Mexican culture. The commercialization of the holiday is disappointing, but many celebrations are becoming more and more focused on the culture.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really know
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