Cinco De Mayo, a celebration of Mexico’s victory against the French Empire, was a very hard fought battle. This holiday has been celebrated in the U.S. and Mexico for a long time. Mostly celebrated by Mexican-American people, it is an amazing and exciting tradition- a true celebration of culture and love of the people.

Through an uncertain battle and victory on May 5th, 1862, the holiday was created. With just 2,000 Mexican soldiers vs the 6,000 French soldiers, the Mexican people claimed victory. Unfortunately, in America the holiday has been turned into something it was never intended to be. According to Mexican natives, celebrations in The U.S. are much more vast and spectacular than that of the Mexican celebrations. They speculate that this is because the holiday has been turned into a cash grab in the U.S.: drink specials, special foods; this is obviously not what the holiday is about. It should be celebrated and everyone should have a good time, but there is more to it than that. It is a time to celebrate with family and remember the Mexican people who fought for their independence.

On the opposite side, there is plenty to do on this holiday: parades, drinks, food, mariachi bands, live music, car shows, taco eating contests, even broadway shows; it can be a very fun holiday. On one hand, it is paying homage to the victory and the culture of the Mexican people. On the other hand, it has been very Americanized, and it kind of is a cash grab. It is kind of sad, as many people may lose focus of what the holiday really means.

This celebration of culture, Americanized or not, is a celebration of victory. What the Mexican soldiers were able to do 200 years ago on May 5th will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice and bravery is something that we should aspire to achieve in our daily lives.