Tomorrow is May 5th, which to many Mexican-Americans commemorates the Battle of Puebla - the site where Mexican troops defeated the French army in 1862. Nothing really to celebrate since Mexicans celebrate “El Grito” - Mexican Independence Day on September 16th from Spain right?

Wrong, cinco de mayo has become big business for American companies especially in the general market. This Mexican holiday has joined the ranks of other “not-so-holidays” like St. Patrick’s Day and Fat Tuesday with American party-goers overindulging on Tex-Mex food and themed drinks. The holiday has become an urban legend of sorts which people celebrate, but don’t really know why. A great excuse to party. So again I ask the question…who is the party for?

Frito Lay, Mattel and Miller to name a few. They are all cashing in on Puebla and counting on history taking the back seat. The irony of all of this is that Mexico eventually lost this war, but the battle marked unity and patriotism for the country. Originally referred to as the “batalla de Puebla” (Battle of Puebla), it was later changed to cinco de mayo (The fifth of May) in the United States. American corporations call it “cash cow”.

Even Mattel has a cinco de mayo Barbie in full traditional garb (and ready for clearance shelves at Big Lots). Miller has their new Mexican-like beer - Chill (with no Hispanic advertising). Frito Lay has 101 versions of nachos. The holiday has become a sort of artificial sales event much like the Super Bowl. And the scary part is that it is working…minus the lovely Barbie doll below.

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All around town (and I live in Miami which is not very Mexican) there were celebrations. Impromptu ones, organized ones, huge ones with tents and musical talents. I know, it was also the “Golden Boy” (Oscar de la Hoya) fight this year (viva Mexico!), but it seems that this holiday gets bigger and bigger every year. And the more bi-cultural we become as Americans, the more we seem to embrace it. But embrace what…a fake holiday for the sake of being in the spotlight for 24 hours? Not a bad deal if you ask me.

Even Charleston, SC has gotten in on the cinco de mayo craze. Take a look at a local video demonstrating the “all inclusive” festivities. All inclusive? Ask any of these people what they are celebrating and I’m SURE they have no idea! But they sure get an A+ for effort.

All I know is that most of us barely remember the war with Spain let alone France. We share the social responsibility of educating our “American friends” on those events and dates that are truly important to us a culture. It’s about not letting them feel like they are “diverse” because they are celebrating a Mexican holiday that really doesn’t exist. It’s not about American companies giving you and I permission to celebrate; it’s about celebrating those things that are important to us as a “people” or even as Mexicans. Let’s not continue to send the wrong message by allowing special days to become a great excuse to party. Let’s not re-write history in the process either.

- Written by Miamiadguy