There are plenty of reasons to hate on Cinco de Mayo. Or as it’s come to be konwn Drinko-de-Mayo. There are the half-hearted lunch specials at your local restaurant (note: adding salsa to something doesn’t make it Mexican). No one likes the over-sized sombreros and fake mustaches people rock for no reason. The sloppy drinking and insistence on shots that everyone engages in starting at 11 am (or sooner).
Well, call us optimists!
We like to see the shot glass as half-full on this Latino event. Here is why we think Cinco de Mayo is truly the best holiday ever to be celebrated.
It’s a celebration of a bully getting the smackdown
Although Cinco de Mayo is not the anniversary of Mexico’s birth or independence it’s still an important day. It is an acknowledgement of when Mexicans kicked the French (wanna-be colonizers) out of the state of Puebla. So in essence it’s all about imperialist bullies being taken to task for bad behavior. On top of that, it’s a celebration of how hard Mexicans can kick ass! Sounds like a good enough reason to party!
It’s An All Day Party
Walk in to any library, Party City, Irish pub or office cafeteria and you’ll see it spelled out (literally) for you: rejoice and revel in Cinco de Mayo! It’s in the papel picado, party poppers, and piñatas that cover every inch of you can see. The best part getting your fiesta on is encouraged. How many jobs do you know that host Cinco de Mayo happy hours/lunches/ dinners? Everyone is taking the opportunity to take it easy, either by indulging in a few Modelos mid-day, rocking a serape in public (that’s the multi-colored blankets and panchos folks see everywhere), or doing rounds of tequila.
Everyone wants to be Mexican
With all the stereotypes, hateful rhetoric and misinformation floating around it’s no wonder there is so much hater-ation on Mexicans and Latinos. With that said, Cinco de Mayo is the day that everyone wants to be Mexican. Let’s keep it real: it’s flattering that everyone wants to be down even if it’s just for 24 hours. We also know that plenty of gringos do an awful job of cultural appreciation. Instead give them a drink and let them hang out with La Raza so they can learn what it’s all about, que no?
Guacamole and Tacos are Basically Required Meals
The only acceptable food you should eat on Cinco de Mayo is anything Mexican. And seriously who doesn’t love Mexican food? Bring on the guacamole (bonus points if it’s made in front of a molcajete), tacos al pastor, flautas, burritos,…well we could go on for days. So with that said…get ready to add a few pounds that day!
There Are No Gifts to Give
You don’t have to buy any chocolates, no eggs to dye, or heart-shaped cards to find. that means no money to spend, except on yourself. Whether that be a drink, a big meal or aspirin for your headache the next morning. Plus, there’s no singular hero of this story, so you don’t need to dress up like Santa or the Easter Bunny or any other funny fellas. Besides, what other adult holiday exists for grown-ups past the age of 12? (We’ll wait). Exactly. Roll with it!
This small regional holiday that’s gone North of the border has changed our lives for the better. Bring on the sombrebros, tequila and bad karaoke (no Juan Ga if you don’t have the chops porfavor). Salud!