Cinco de Mayo!!!?

Question

I know that cinco de mayo means May-5, and this date was when french army commanded by Napoleon, when to figth to mexico, because, when Benito Juarez was president in mexico, mexico have a lot of debts whit other countries then he said. . . . . ok. mexico won't gonna pay to nobody, then frech army come to figth. . . . . . and etc etc.

but if rhis is a mexican celebration why americans celebrate more that mexicans?

i'm mexican and that is not enougth big in mexico like here in USA. . . . . .almost I have seen a lot of people chineses, Japaneses, Russians and more in this celebration and they not even know what it means

so why don't they celebrate Matsuri? I love that celebration from Japan

Answer 1

"In the United States, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to be known as simply "5 de Mayo" and unfortunately, many people wrongly equate it with Mexican Independence which was on September 16, 1810, nearly a fifty year difference. Over, the years Cinco de Mayo has become very commercialized and many people see this holiday as a time for fun and dance. Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo has become more of Chicano holiday than a Mexican one. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on a much larger scale here in the United States than it is in Mexico. People of Mexican descent in the United States celebrate this significant day by having parades, mariachi music, folklorico dancing and other types of festive activities."

"Cinco de Mayo", CLNet, University of California : http://clnet.ucla.edu/cinco.html

"For the most part, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday throughout the country with different levels of enthusiasm, but it's nothing like that found in Puebla."

"Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico."

"Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year."

"The History of Cinco de Mayo", Mexonline.com : http://www.mexonline.com/cinco-de-mayo.htm

"Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated though out the country, but very especially in the state of Puebla and in Mexico City."

"In the Pen de los Bas, a small barrio or neighborhood in Mexico City, very near the airport, the people organize a very popular representation of the Cinco de Mayo battle. "

"Cinco de Mayo", May Herz, Inside Mexico : http://www.inside-mexico.com/featurecinco.htm

Answer 2

Although I agree that commercialism plays a big part in the celebration of Cinco de Mayo, there is something that the others (except for Erik Van Thienen, the Answerer above me) missed.

A large percent of the U.S. population is Hispanic. In fact, it won't be long before Anglo Americans are a minority, due to the increase in the Hispanic American (not to mention African American) population. Even though, "Hispanic" does not equate "Mexican," many American citizens share these same cultural roots.

Additionally, the shared history and proximity of the two nations may also play a significant role in the popularity of Cinco de Mayo.

Maybe Matsuri will be celebrated just as is Cinco de Mayo once the Japanese American (or, at least, Asian American) population increases greatly.

Answer 3

Because everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day! At least that's what they say when everybody who's not Irish starts drinking green beer and wearing green clothes on March 17.

Seriously, you only celebrate Mexican holidays and you don't want other people to celebrate them more than Mexicans do? If the Mexican Americans want to integrate into the States by getting everyone else to join them on May 5, why not?

Answer 4

I'm half latino and a bit embarrassed about it. I've never been into the heart of Mexico (from South Texas, and my Great Grandfather is the only one directly from Mexico).

Kinda funny, but Mexican immagrants are percieved as the new "demographic" to market to. It comes off as somewhat fake to me, but I'm sure the Germans were happy in the late-19th Century when their version of Christmas was commercialised by American corporations.

Answer 5

It relies upon on her tastes and age. For some thing slightly fancier than the uncomplicated spreads like mustard or ketchup, i like to unfold a skinny layer of cranberry sauce- ( no longer finished berries style ). this provides your turkey sandwich a candy and tart style on an identical time.

Answer 6

They celebrate it because for them its just another reason to drink.Do you really think they know what the battle of pueblo is?Stupid round eye dogs.

Answer 7

We in the US want to be chic and honor the cultures of Mexicans while passing laws to keep you out.

Answer 8

I don't know why, but any celebration with margaritas and questo I am definately there!

Answer 9

Because in America, anything that can be commercialized will be commercialized!!

Answer 10

It has to do with how American businesses have comercialized it so that they can make money.