2008 Woodie Awards
Cinco de Mayo Misunderstood
It's not about Mexican independence - or drinking beer.
Tiffany Farmakis
Issue date: 5/12/04 Section: News
Many people think Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day. It's not.
Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the victory of General Ignacio Zaragoza's severely outmanned and outgunned Mexican army over Napoleon III's fearsome French juggernaut in 1862 in the town of Puebla, 100 miles east of Mexico City. At the time, the French were considered to have the premier military force in the world and had not suffered a defeat in 50 years.
"Cinco de Mayo isn't just some south-of-the-border version of St. Patrick's Day," said Valley College liberal arts major Eileen Vargas. "This isn't a time for people to get drunk and party. The significance of 4,000 Mexican soldiers with primitive farmers' tools used as weapons defeating the sophisticated French army of 8,000 is why this holiday should be taken seriously."
While the "Batalla de la Puebla," more popularly known as Cinco de Mayo, marks the anniversary of Mexico winning a significant battle against the French, the official day of independence for Mexico is September 16.
"Cinco de Mayo represents a day of celebration for the ideals of democratic freedom by promoting the Hispanic culture," child psychology major Syreeta Baptiste said. "All students should learn about other cultures and their struggle for independence."
Wednesday, May 5, Valley students celebrated the 142nd anniversary of the Batalla de la Puebla. About 100 people gathered in Monarch Square and enjoyed Mexican music, dance and food.
Valley's Associated Student Union sponsored the event.
"The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of Cinco de Mayo," said A.S.U. Commissioner of Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Ron Cabrera Jr. "Our main goal is to educate students and to encourage them not to go out and get drunk tonight."
The event included a Latin jazz band and Mexican dancers, who encouraged students to dance alongside them and celebrate their roots.
Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the victory of General Ignacio Zaragoza's severely outmanned and outgunned Mexican army over Napoleon III's fearsome French juggernaut in 1862 in the town of Puebla, 100 miles east of Mexico City. At the time, the French were considered to have the premier military force in the world and had not suffered a defeat in 50 years.
 Media Credit: Salvador Aguilar NOW IS THE TIME WHEN WE DANCE - Lovie Hernandez and Daniela Nutini perform for the crowd in Monarch Square on Cinco de Mayo. |
"Cinco de Mayo isn't just some south-of-the-border version of St. Patrick's Day," said Valley College liberal arts major Eileen Vargas. "This isn't a time for people to get drunk and party. The significance of 4,000 Mexican soldiers with primitive farmers' tools used as weapons defeating the sophisticated French army of 8,000 is why this holiday should be taken seriously."
While the "Batalla de la Puebla," more popularly known as Cinco de Mayo, marks the anniversary of Mexico winning a significant battle against the French, the official day of independence for Mexico is September 16.
"Cinco de Mayo represents a day of celebration for the ideals of democratic freedom by promoting the Hispanic culture," child psychology major Syreeta Baptiste said. "All students should learn about other cultures and their struggle for independence."
Wednesday, May 5, Valley students celebrated the 142nd anniversary of the Batalla de la Puebla. About 100 people gathered in Monarch Square and enjoyed Mexican music, dance and food.
Valley's Associated Student Union sponsored the event.
"The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of Cinco de Mayo," said A.S.U. Commissioner of Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Ron Cabrera Jr. "Our main goal is to educate students and to encourage them not to go out and get drunk tonight."
The event included a Latin jazz band and Mexican dancers, who encouraged students to dance alongside them and celebrate their roots.
