It was a great reason to celebrate – the French defeat in Mexico.
Being raised in California’s Central Valley in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood,. Cinco de Mayo was celebrated every year.
It was basically a time to enjoy Mexican food cooked at a street fair booth, while watching Mariachis ply their trade. I doubt if many of the people present were aware of the reason for the celebration, other than it was a day to party.
Most California schools gave students an excused absence if they didn’t show up, so you can imagine how empty the schools were on that day. Everyone joined in the celebration — African Americans, Anglo American’s as well as Hispanics and Natives took the day off to take part by attending a parade, watching a low rider show or just enjoying a delicious meal of crispy tacos along with rice and beans.
One of the most memorable parts of the celebration was the lack of violence.
As for food, about the best prison residents can hope for is a mess hall tamale pie.
