Mexico's history and culture are vast, ancient, and deserving of celebration. The oldest neighbor of the United States, Mexico declared independence from Spain just 30 years after the US separated from England. But Cinco de Mayo isn't a celebration of Mexican independence. It’s a minor celebration of a Mexican victory over the French in 1862.
The holiday is widely celebrated in the United States due to a confluence of history, politics, and capitalism, which you can learn more about on the N&N blog!
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In 1862, when the battle occurred, many people living in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California had been Mexican citizens just 20 years earlier before their territory was claimed by the US in the Mexican-American war. These people celebrated the defeat of the French and their descendants have continued to celebrate the holiday.
In Mexico, the holiday was popularized by Porfirio Díaz, who had fought in the battle before becoming the long-running de facto dictator of Mexico, whose reign led to the Mexican Revolution. After the revolution, Mexican citizens largely stopped celebrating the holiday while US celebrations continued.
US celebrations outside of California were mostly modest until the late 20th century when beer companies began marketing the holiday. Perhaps seeing it as an opportunity to create another St. Patrick's Day-like celebration, the marketing has largely focused on stereotypical symbols of Mexico. Marketers and beer sellers replaced shamrocks with sombreros and corned beef with tacos, and a new US party was born.
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As Cinco de Mayo celebrations have grown, so too have attempts to honor the full breadth of Mexican and Indigenous culture. If you’re interested in checking out some Cinco de Mayo celebrations, here’s a few in the Twin Cities:
- St. Paul's West Side holds a massive Cinco de Mayo celebration
- Festival 5 de Mayo 2023 - Cinco de Mayo on Lake Street in Minneapolis
- The Facts and History of Cinco de Mayo
- How Cinco de Mayo Got Its Start Because of California's Mexican Americans
- What Cinco de Mayo Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles
Provide your feedback on May 11 at the DEI Coffee Hour!
As noted in previous issues of News and Notes, the DEI committee has been working on our purpose, structure, and goals for the group so we can continue to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in ASR. Please join us for an optional (virtual) coffee hour on Tuesday, May 11 from 8:15-9:00 a.m. to hear what we’ve been up to, and provide your feedback regarding where we should focus our efforts.
For your convenience, this event has been added to your calendar. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, we hope to see you there!
Join our DEI Community of Practice
Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up with DEI initiatives. More information about the group and DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.
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