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Celebrating Cinco de Mayo: A Fiesta of FunBy KRISTEN STERNBERG Cinco de Mayo is an important date in Mexican history. It commemorates that nation's victory in a famous battle, the Battle of Puebla, which occurred in 1862 during a violent and chaotic period in Mexico's development. Wars and internal politics had almost wiped out the economy, and the country owed large debts to several nations, including France. French rulers tried to use the debt as an excuse to take over Mexico. Armies landed on Mexico's Gulf coast and started to march toward the capital city. Although French soldiers far outnumbered Mexican fighters, the bloody Battle of Puebla ended in victory for Mexico. Defeated, the French returned home.
Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico's independence as a nation, but in truth, Mexico had already gained its independence from Spain in 1810, some half a century before the Battle of Puebla. Many who observe the holiday don't know or remember how it originated, but they enjoy the traditions associated with it. In the United States, the event began to be known as "Cinco de Mayo," because it happened on the 5th of May. "Cinco" is Spanish for "five." In Mexico, festivities typically occur only in isolated areas, such as in the Puebla region where the battle took place. Cinco de Mayo is actually more widely celebrated in the United States than it is in Mexico--but still not by a majority of Mexican Americans, according to a recent Daytona Beach News-Journal article. Learn why some local Mexican residents don't seem enthused about celebrating May 5. In parts of the U.S., some Mexican Americans do observe Cinco de Mayo celebrations, More and more, however, it's Americans from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who participate in Cinco de Mayo. In recent years, people of many cultures observe the holiday with mariachi music, folk dancing and other festivities. With a fiesta (party) atmosphere that is fun for all ages, Cinco de Mayo is gaining in popularity and in prominence. By joining in the celebrations, participants may learn about Mexican history, folklore, food, music and more. Cinco de Mayo is an example of how an event can grow, over time, into a symbol of a country and its culture. As you check out the newspaper activities and web links offered below, why not try to think of some other examples? Try these interesting activities using The Daytona Beach News-Journal 1. Cinco de Mayo "focuses on Mexican culture. Use The News-Journal to find and clip articles and photos that showcase your own culture. Talk to family members and together begin a family scrapbook about your heritage. Share your creation with friends and other family members and add to it as the years go by. (Sunshine State Standards FL.A.3.2.1, FL.A.3.2.2, SS.B.1.2.5)
2. It's often said that today's news is tomorrow's history (as it was with the Battle of Puebla). Search The News-Journal's International news from time to time to read articles about Mexico. Clip and save your findings. When you have accumulated several, re-read and rank them according to how important you believe each news item will be perceived in Mexican history about 50 years from now. (Sunshine State Standards FL.A.2.2.3, SS.A.1.2.1, SS.A.1.2.2, SS.A.1.2.3, SS.B.1.2.5) 3. Some people complain that many holidays are becoming commercialized. Use The News-Journal to find examples that either support or oppose this point of view. After careful study of your findings, decide how you feel and discuss your viewpoint with a friend or classmate. (Sunshine State Standards SS.D.1.2.1, SS.D.2.2.2) 4. Holidays originate in many ways. Study The News-Journal to identify upcoming events or celebrations in your community. For each item listed, use the daily newspaper or other resource such as the Master Calendar to determine the history behind each event. Design a colorful timeline or chart to show whether the holiday (or time of observance) came about because of religious, historical, cultural or other reasons. Display your timeline/chart on a wall or refrigerator. If possible, try to attend an event with a family member or friend. (Sunshine State Standards FL.A.1.2.2, FL.B.1.2.1, FL.B.1.2.2, FL.B.1.2.3, SS.A.1.2.1, SS.A.1.2.2, SS.A.2.2.7) 5. Some tasty foods are typically associated with Cinco de Mayo. The News-Journal routinely publishes many recipes, often highlighting cultures from around the world. Consult The News-Journal and try some with other family members. (Sunshine State Standards FL.A.1.2.1, FL.A.2.2.3, FL.B.1.2.3) A copy of Florida's Sunshine State Standards can be found at intech2000.miamisci.org. Check out these links to learn more You don't need to wait until next year's Cinco de Mayo celebrations to have fun making a pinata. Pinatas can be fun at birthday parties or other special occasions. Try your hand at making your own pinata at this site offering clear, easy-top-follow instructions and illustrations. www.bry-backmanor.org/holidayfun/pinata.html Here's a neat, written history of Cinco de Mayo, where you'll also learn about the close ties between Mexico and the United States. Be sure to follow some of the interesting and fun links provided. www.vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm Play a trivia game, find scrumptious recipes and more at this Spanish-language site dedicated to Cinco de Mayo. (You may also view the site in English.) www.elcincodemayo.com/index.html Check out more background on Cinco de Mayo, or find other great information about Mexico, our neighbor to the south. Can you name some other Mexican holidays and fiestas? www.mexonline.com The Newspaper Association of America's web site contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. and around the world, which may contain additional news stories about this topic. To access the newspapers at the site, select a state. Click on the "Internationals" button to view choices from other countries. The Daytona Beach News-Journal NIE Program, published May 13, 2002 |
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