Cinco de Mayo festivities are planned across the US. But in Mexico, not so much
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In the United States, preparations are being made for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo festivities. On Sunday, May 5th, various places across the country will host events featuring music, extended happy hours, and discounted tacos. It's a celebration whose origins are often misunderstood and not widely celebrated in Mexico.
In America, Cinco de Mayo is mainly viewed as an occasion to honor Mexican American heritage with roots tracing back to the 1800s in California. The customary festivities involve processions, street vendors selling food, neighborhood gatherings, mariachi contests, and folkloric dance performances featuring spinning dancers adorned with shiny ribbons and braids along with vibrant, frilly dresses.
The holiday has become an opportunity for both Americans with Mexican heritage and those without to drink shots of tequila with salt and lime, and indulge in tortilla chips covered in melted orange cheddar, a topping that is not commonly used in Mexico.
The holiday's emphasis on consuming food and beverages has sparked some negative feedback, particularly since beer makers and marketers use it as an opportunity to promote their products. Additionally, certain individuals partake in inappropriate behavior, such as wearing false, downcast mustaches and enormous, straw sombreros, which reinforces offensive stereotypes.
On Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate the historic win of Mexican soldiers, led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This victory was a significant morale boost for the Mexican troops, who were outnumbered and outgunned by the French soldiers.
Every year, the city of Puebla, located in central Mexico, hosts events to remember the impressive triumph known as the Battle of Puebla. These gatherings include reconstructions of the past and parades. People engage by wearing authentic uniforms from both the French and Mexican armies that fought in the battle.
Cinco de Mayo is not the primary holiday of Mexico, which is the Mexican Independence Day and is of utmost importance to them.
People in Mexico commemorate their nation's liberation from Spain on the historical day when the Rev. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest from Dolores, Mexico, declared war against the European country on September 16, 1810.
Every year on September 15th around 11 o'clock at night, the president of Mexico performs the Cry of Independence, which is also known as el Grito de Independencia. This takes place on the balcony of the National Palace while using the same bell that Hidalgo used.
Usually, the celebration comes to a close with a proclamation of "¡Viva México!" chanted three times, while a vibrant mass of people gather in the Zócalo, which is the primary square located in the center of Mexico City.
On Sunday, May 5th of this year, a lot of folks are looking forward to having a laid-back day full of enjoyment. Many areas in the country that have a high population of Mexican Americans have some festivities set up to celebrate.
In California, there are many exciting events happening soon. San Jose has a celebration planned with a parade and festival including awesome live music, talented dancers and amazing lowrider cars. Another festival will be held in District Six in San Francisco.
A market that is held outdoors in El Paso, Texas, is going to showcase a car exhibition, merchants, and a performance of live music by Krystall Poppin, Ka$h Go Crazy, and 2 Sexy Ashley.
There'll be festivities taking place in Fat City Park in New Orleans over the course of two days, Saturday and Sunday. This event will involve two stages and a total of eight bands, along with a competition centered around eating tacos.
Throughout the United States, bars and eateries are advertising their Mexican cuisine and deals such as extended happy hours. For a unique experience, New York City offers a Mexican restaurant that is located on a boat, sailing on the Hudson River.
