Cinco de Mayo allows Mexican and American students to enjoy a common culture
Ismael Rodriguez Staff Writer
In 1861, Mexico was in debt to France, Spain and Britain and couldn’t pay them back. France, Spain and Britain seized a customhouse in Veracruz. They took the customhouse building which managed trade going in and out of the country, as payments to pay for the debt.
After some negotiation with Spain and Britain, they left and withdrew their support for France. France stayed in Mexico and on May 5, 1862, Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza led his smaller force of soldiers (mainly farmers) against the much larger force of French soldiers.Gen. Zaragoza won the battle but not the war. Still, his victory is celebrated on May 5, or Cinco de Mayo, every year.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in many ways. The most common is by playing Mariachi music and eating traditional Mexican food.
Although not all people celebrate Cinco De Mayo, it is still remembered. “Cinco de Mayo Was an important battle between Mexico and France,” said ESL student Bertario.
“ In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t mean nothing, but in America, I don’t know why everyone talks about Cinco de Mayo,” Santiago, another Pierce ESL student, said. Neither celebrates Cinco de Mayo.
“In Mexico we celebrate (our) Independence Day September 16,” said Santiago. Even though this is the case, it is a celebration that allows Mexican-Americans to connect with their heritage and the culture that they miss.
Many come from Mexico and leave a lot of things at home. They usually leave behind family and friends for the chances they could find in America. Whether it is money to support themselves or to learn, many Mexican immigrants come to America.
Americans are eager to show that they care about others cultures by celebrating the holiday. Though many may not know what Cinco de Mayo it stands for, they still celebrate, using it as a time to bring family together and enjoy the culture of Mexico through its food and music. “My family, we cook lots of traditional Mexican dishes, have family over. We put on some Mexican music and have a blast,” said Dessa, a Pierce student.
