It's Cinco de Mayo, one of my favorite days of the year. I really like the Mexican culture...the bright colors, the food, the music...it all works for me. I think I'm gonna call in sick, put on my Mexican shawl, and go hang out at On the Border all day.
Background on Cinco de Mayo:
It is NOT Mexico's Independence Day. That's on Sept 16th. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.
Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year. It's not even a national holiday in Mexico. It has primarily become a big deal in the U.S. because advertisers are capitalzing by selling boat loads of alcohol...and pre-paid phone cards.
Background on Cinco de Mayo:
It is NOT Mexico's Independence Day. That's on Sept 16th. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.
Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year. It's not even a national holiday in Mexico. It has primarily become a big deal in the U.S. because advertisers are capitalzing by selling boat loads of alcohol...and pre-paid phone cards.
