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Cinco De Mayo

Mexican dancer from the state of Veracruz with a purple dress braid and colorful flowers, happy dancing traditional harp sones with black background and wooden floor C
Mexican Folkdancer.
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But…. we bet you didn’t know that Cinco De Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day and is actually celebrated more in America than in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5th that commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexico achieved its independence over 50 years before that battle on September 16, 1810.  Although a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States it has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage. 

Here’s a few ways to celebrate responsibly and respectfully provided by #reclaimcinco.  Also click the boxes for more information.

Support Authentic Mexican Businesses — try a family-owned restaurant instead of a chain.
Celebrate Responsibly — no fake mustaches, no disrespectful use of Spanish, no homogenizing Latinx communities, and avoid all party stores.
Educate Yourself — learn about the history of Cinco de Mayo and how it became a part of U.S. popular culture. Acknowledge the stereotypes you have internalized and discover why they are problematic.

Keep in mind that no matter how you celebrate, please follow local COVID-19 guidelines. And if you haven’t taken yours’ already, Vaccines are available. — A message from your DEI Task Force

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