Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Resistance and Mexican Pride

** Cinco de Mayo: More Than Just Margaritas and Tacos**

Cinco de Mayo is about more than just partying and drinking. It's a day that's rich in history and culture, marking Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire led by Napoleon III on May 5, 1862 (Battle of Puebla). While it's become a popular celebration in the U.S., often enjoyed by people of Mexican-American heritage, there's a lot more to this day than meets the eye.

The True Meaning of Cinco de Mayo: Resisting Imperialism

Mexican Independence Day, or Día de la Independencia, was actually on September 16, 1810, when Mexico broke free from Spain. Cinco de Mayo, however, marks a different but equally important event in Mexico's history. It was on this day, in 1862, that 2,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 6,000 French troops sent by Napoleon III to claim Mexico for himself. This victory declared at daybreak and achieved by evening, led President Benito Juárez to make May 5 a national holiday.

Chicanx historian, Mario García, from the University of California, Santa Barbara, explains:

"It's OK for people to go out and have a good time on a holiday like Cinco de Mayo − at least they have some sense that it's some kind of a Mexican holiday. But we should go beyond that. We should have Cinco de Mayo events that go beyond partying and drinking, where we call attention to what the history is."

The commercialization of Cinco de Mayo, with its "Corona Day" vibes and endless cocktail specials, risks overshadowing the true significance of the day. It's time to reclaim Cinco de Mayo and celebrate the resistance and strength of Chicanx and Mexican communities.

Keeping It Real: The Impact of the Chicano Movement

The celebration of Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, a time when Mexican-Americans resisted the negative effects of the Mexican-American War. It's during this period that Cinco de Mayo became an annual tribute to Mexican-American culture and a way to honor the contributions of Chicanx people to the U.S., including their involvement in wars like WWII.

So, this Cinco de Mayo, while you enjoy your margaritas and tacos, remember the true reason for the season: unity, resistance, and the empowerment of Chicanx and Mexican communities in the face of historical and ongoing oppression.

Celebrating with Intentionality: Events and Deals

If you want to participate in Cinco de Mayo celebrations, there are plenty of events across the U.S. that honor the true meaning of the day:

• San Diego, California: May 4-5, Old Town San Diego will host live music, folklorico performances, and dining and drink specials.
• Denver, Colorado: On May 4, the city is hosting a range of activities, including a community parade and a taco-eating contest at Civic Center Park.
• St. Paul, Minnesota: The annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in the West Side neighborhood on May 4 will feature a parade, car and bike show, and a dog show.
• San Antonio, Texas: The city is sponsoring a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Historic Market Square on May 4-5, with live bands, Folklorico dance, Mariachi music, and food booths.
• Chicago, Illinois: An annual parade on May 5, starting at Cermak Road and Wood Street, followed by a festival at Douglas Park with live music, food, vendors, and a carnival.
• Los Angeles, California: Fiesta Broadway, one of the world's largest Cinco de Mayo festivals, with live music and cultural performances, took place on April 28 this year.

And if you're looking for deals on food and drinks, here are some restaurants offering specials:

• Abuelo's: $5 specials on select food and drinks on May 5.
• Chevy's Fresh Mex: All-day happy hour and brunch specials on May 3-5.
• Chipotle: $0 delivery fee from May 1-5 with code "CINCO24".
• Chuy's: $6 House 'Ritas, $1 tequila floaters, and Chips 'N' Dips specials on May 5.
• El Torito: All-day happy hour and brunch specials on May 3-5.

This Cinco de Mayo, let's cheers to cultural resistance and celebrate with intention!