This Cinco de Mayo many students
are turning to tequila and cerveza, Spanish for beer, to celebrate another holiday that for some means nothing more than another excuse to drink exorbitant amounts of alcohol.
Commonly misinterpreted as Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo’s meaning has been clouded by partying.
Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, commemorates the Mexican victory over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually Sept. 16.
Victor Bostida, a vendor at JR’s Taqueria at this week’s ASUO Spring Street Faire from Michoacán, Mexico, said Cinco de Mayo is more about the memory and culture of Mexico.
“The culture is still in my mind, but I don’t have the time to celebrate,” Bostida said. “It’s a festival for the whole country. People don’t usually celebrate with just their families and friends. It’s a time for the whole country to remember Cinco de Mayo.”
While he said he doesn’t have time to observe Cinco de Mayo this year, Bostida laughed at the American “style” of celebrating the holiday.
“It’s not the main theme of Cinco de Mayo, but it’s a fun party,” he said.
Taylors Bar and Grill predicts a large crowd, but nothing as wild as last year’s “Shot Heard Round the World” party in which the bar attempted to break the Guinness World Records’ count for the world’s largest tequila smash.
Despite its popularity as an excuse to drink, junior advertising student Brad Soulas and junior multimedia and design student Tony Hellberg recognized what Cinco de Mayo is really about.
“It’s celebrating the Mexican victory against the French,” Soulas said.
“In 1862,” added Hellberg.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout the country, especially in the state of Puebla and in Mexico City. Military parades, complete with marching bands and traditional music, pay tribute to all the soldiers, civilians, and heroes who gave their lives for their country. The celebration lasts all day, with food, dancing, mariachi bands, laughter and fellowship.
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some true Latin flair, students can check out Latin rock band Los Mex Pistols del Norte at the Hult Center at noon for free, and again at The Jungle for the all-night set. Tickets for Los Mex Pistols del Norte at The Jungle are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Celebration pays tribute to Mexico’s war victory
Daily Emerald
May 4, 2005
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