Culture Blues

Why We’re Getting Smashed: Cinco De Mayo

This all happened so you could shoot Jose Cuervo

As we search for random reasons to drink, many of us will encounter holidays we do not understand.  But instead of panicking, just take a deep breath and check this out.  While just going with the flow and wearing a funny hat is a viable solution, there is a better way.  Read up!  Culture Blues is here for you.

Cinco De Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day.  That title belongs to September 16^th.  But as many will argue, May 5^th is far more important.  It commemorates Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French army in the battle of Puebla in 1862, and their refusal to pay bills to the French government.  In fact, this holiday is celebrated more widely in the United States than Mexico itself.  Outside of Puebla, this event is widely ignored in its home country.  The explanation is not complicated: we have embraced shitty chain restaurant margaritas in a way that Mexico can only dream of.  But we aren’t the only ones getting in on the act.  In fact, Vancouver hosts a Cinco de Mayo skydiving event, and the Cayman Islands features an air guitar competition.

In case anyone asks, you are celebrating the dramatic tale of the heroic Mexican Militia and their persistence in the face of adversity!  Or a song by War.  Either way, really. 

Your secret is safe with us.  Now let’s get piss drunk!