By Chaz Wilson
Cinco de Mayo is notoriously celebrated by college students drinking margaritas and eating nachos, even though many do not know what the holiday commemorates.
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A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day. The holiday actually commemorates the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over France during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Allyson Padron, vice president of the Texas Tech University Hispanic Student Society, said students celebrate Hispanic culture on Cinco de Mayo, even though that is not the true purpose of the holiday.
“It’s become a day to ’embrace’ the culture,” Padron said. “Little do people know that embracing the culture has nothing to do with why the date is celebrated to begin with.”
Padron said she finds it acceptable to celebrate other cultures, but she has decided to no longer celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
“I am Mexican-American, and I personally don’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo because it has lost its significance,” Padron said. “People use it just as an excuse to party.”
Andy Mohl, a senior Texas Tech student, admitted to going out on Cinco de Mayo while not exactly knowing what the history of the holiday was. He sees it as more of a social event.
“When I got to college, all of my friends would go out on Cinco,” Mohl said. “I have to say, I don’t know what the holiday actually celebrates, but I don’t think most students do either.”
While he sees it as a reason to party, Mohl hopes students do not promote any cultural stereotypes on this Mexican holiday.
Maria Valdes, who grew up in Mexico, said she does not mind if students celebrate Hispanic culture, as long as they are not disrespectful.
“I am personally not offended by students celebrating Cinco de Mayo, but when students are disrespectful by wearing stereotypical ‘Mexican’ attire and acting ridiculous, I know some people do get offended,” Valdes said.
When she was growing up in Mexico, Valdes said, the holiday was not as big of a deal.
“I was aware of Cinco de Mayo, but here in the U.S., people use it as a day to embrace Hispanic culture,” she said.
Padron said it would be more appropriate to celebrate Hispanic culture in September, the National Hispanic Heritage month, rather than on Cinco de Mayo.
She added that although she understands college kids will be college kids, her hope is that people will show respect when they go out to party.
“Don’t make a mockery out of the holiday,” Pardon said. “To some, Cinco de Mayo is an important day that symbolizes strength and honor within our ancestors.”
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