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Cinco De Mayo is a fun celebration

of the state of Puebla. Though it is not an obligatory federal holiday, it is a fun, festive welcoming to summer and a time to spend with friends and family. In recent years it has become primarily a drinking holiday in other regions of the world, but the intent is still the same; for people to have fun and relax a little. Cinco De Mayo also makes an awesome weekend trip. If you aren’t planning to go away for spring break, you may want to consider taking a long weekend for Cinco De Mayo and heading somewhere warm with your friends. There is a common misconception that Cinco De Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, which it is not. It is marketed by companies like Corona as a party holiday. And that is primarily what it is. Whatever the reason to celebrate, get ready for a fun time in the sun in Mexico, grab a sombrero and go!

History

In 1861 Mexico owed a lot of payments to other nations. This year it stopped making interest payments to countries like France, England, and other European nations. France invaded Mexico to try and reclaim some of their money. They were successful at first, however on May 5th of that year the state of Puebla was more successful and overcame them. Although this technically only delayed them in overrunning Mexico City later. California started celebrating this holiday as a nod to their Mexican American citizens. In Mexico this holiday is fairly unimportant and is only an observing holiday in Puebla. In the U.S. it serves as a fun holiday and the celebration of Mexican Americans. In 1867, the French were eventually overruled and were expelled by the Mexicans. In Mexico City army men salute flags on this day to recognize and respect it, although that is about the extent. The U.S., Cayman Islands, and other places in the Caribbean, as well as Canada celebrate this holiday in a fun, festive way.

Activities and Traditions

U.S. citizens celebrate a number of primarily ethnic holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Chinese New Year as one large cultural celebration. Because this country is such a melting pot, these holidays have become more cultural holidays than ethnic and religious. In the U.S. parties and heavy drinking commemorate Cinco De Mayo. Traditional foods like quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos are served. Many restaurants do a special deal like meal and beer combos. Coronas and tequilas are abundant. You will be able to find a good party going in any major city in the U.S.. However if you want to go somewhere memorable head to Cancun, Mexico, California, and Texas. They really know how to do the Tex-Mex well for the Cinco De Mayo celebrations.

Where To Stay

In Cancun, you should look into a hotel that is close to the beach. That way you can enjoy your festivities and not have to go too far afterward. Hotel Xbalamque Cancun and Condo Hotel Cancun Plaza are nice places to stay in. In California, head towards San Diego or L.A.. Choosing a place near public transportation might be wise. If you stay in San Diego look into cheap car rentals in addition to your airfare. That way you can drive across the border for a day and enjoy Mexico first hand. Remember to book your airfare and hotel stay early enough. Some places book up faster than others. Texas is a very large state. If you are looking to go solely for Cinco De Mayo stick close to the border and avoid the larger cities. San Antonio and El Paso are good cities to look into staying in. They both have great parties and lots of fun and excitement for Cinco De Mayo. Studentuniverse.com has overviews of cities and what to do around the area, as well as cheap student airfare and hotels/hostels.