Five-o day mayo-nnaise
by Esther J. Cepeda
“Pregunta del Dia” translates into Question of the day and today’s comes from Enrique, a Norridge, IL reader who asks:
Q. Why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Mexicans care way more about September 16th, the day of Mexico’s Independence.
A. Enrique, most Americans think May 5th is Mexican Independence day, but it’s just the commemoration of a short-lived win against the French at Puebla.
Why celebrate it at all? Because we Americans, above all, are party-lovin’ consumers. After New Year’s Eve we had to wait only until the Super Bowl for an alcohol/food binge. From there it was a short jump to Valentine’s Day for candy and champagne, and only a few weeks to St. Paddy’s day corned beef. How to fill the great gaping hole between the green beer and the Fourth of July barbecue?
You guessed it, buddy, Cinco. Besides, what better time to highlight all the “Latinized” consumer products available at a store near you? So when you go buy food for the feast and a case of Corona, the worst-selling beer in Mexico, to share with your non-Mexican friends, pick up some Jalapeno mayonnaise to slather on the homemade quesadillas Martha Stewart calls “Mexican Fondue with Chorizo and Chiles.” What could be more melting-pot-American than that?
Esther J. Cepeda writes the “600 Words” & “Pregunta del Dia” columns, and is also a Director at the Chicago-based United Neighborhood Organization. Her reporting and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of UNO. “600 words” is a registered trademark of EeJayCee, Inc., Copyright 2008. May be reprinted with permission, contact eejaycee@600words.com
Great question and answer I now have another reference as to why in Mexico Cinco de Mayo is Monday and nothing more.
Posted by: Marcos | May 05, 2008 at 12:01 PM
You forgot a holiday. Memorial Day, which has become the start of summer. Plus it's a 3 day weekend. And few understand or remember why we have the holiday.
Posted by: George | May 05, 2008 at 11:35 AM