Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated in the United States in 1863 in Southern California. The celebration was in support with Mexico against French rule. By the 1930s the holiday beame an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity, promote ethni consciousness and build community solidarity.
Over the last decades Cinco de Mayo has gained increasing popularity in the Mexican-American population of the United States on May 5. It is a celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, cuisine, dance and music comparable to St. Patrick's Day for the Irish. Parades are staged and events, celebrations and ceremonies are held on this day, especially in areas in the Southwest that have large populations of Americans of Mexican descent.
Cinco de Mayo pronounced [sinko de ma ho] is Spanish for "fifth of May". Today, Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl. Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16, the most important national holiday in Mexico.
Celebrate!
Pat Locke, Maestro Muse
