Cinco de Mayo: under the influence
Mexican roots of holiday get lost in U.S. celebration
Although many Americans may think Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexico, its first celebration actually occurred in California. Various groups and businesses in Lawrence are preparing for the holiday, regardless.
By Andrew Wiebe (Contact)
Monday, May 5th, 2008
Today thousands of Americans will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food and drinks, such as Coronas, margaritas and enchiladas. What they may not know is that Cinco de Mayo didn’t even originate in Mexico.
According to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture in 2007, Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated in California in 1863, one year after Mexican troop’s defeated the invading French at the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo isn’t even a federal holiday in Mexico. Banks and government offices remain open, and the holiday is only widely celebrated near the site of the battle in Puebla.
Charles Stansifer, professor emeritus of history, taught Mexican history at the University of Kansas for about 20 years. He said Cinco de Mayo received more attention in the United States because celebrations, parades and events were widespread unlike in Mexico.
Stansifer said the holiday wasn’t necessarily focused on Mexican nationalism in the U.S., but that it represented a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture in the U.S. He said although most celebrations in Mexico centered on the Mexican Independence Day of September 16, the Battle of Puebla was just as significant, if not more so, during the fight for independence.
“If you compare the two events, Cinco de Mayo marked a greater step toward what I would call national independence and pride in being Mexican,” Stansifer said.
Although the Hispanic American Leadership Organization has sponsored Cinco de Mayo celebrations on campus in the past, David Gonzalez, Inglewood, Cali., junior, and HALO president, said the group didn’t have any large-scale plans this year.
Members will be in front of Smith Hall this morning from 8 to 10 selling breakfast burritos to raise funds for the organization. Gonzalez said although the day was intended to commemorate a turning point in the battle for Mexican independence, many people used the day as an excuse to party, something that hasn’t escaped the attention of companies across the country.
“I think it’s just a way for big companies to make money,” Gonzalez said.
Not to be left out, Lawrence businesses are poised to reap the rewards of today’s festivities. Bars, restaurants and liquor stores are all preparing for additional business as customers look to celebrate with Mexican beer, tequila and food.
Rick Pinne, weekend manager at Cork & Barrel Wine & Spirits, 2000 W 23rd St., said the store expected an increase in sales of Mexican beers such as Corona, Dos Equis and Tecate and tequila today as people prepare their own festivities.
Clerks at Ray’s Liquor Warehouse, 1215 W 6th St., said sales in Mexican beer and tequila had already climbed above their average sales on Sunday, and the store expected even more sales today.
— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld
Discussion
All comments are moderated by Kansan.com staff. For our full user policy, click here.
Share your 2¢
Requires free registration.