The World Almanac reports there are cultural celebrations and awareness months throughout the year. February is Black History Month, March is Irish-American Heritage Month, May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, September is National Hispanic Heritage Month, October is Diversity Awareness Month, and November is National American Indian Heritage Month.
May 5th of every year features celebrations involving Mexican food, music, and culture in the U.S. and Mexico. But what exactly is being celebrated?
As the “Asked On The Line” column celebrates its two-year anniversary, it revisits the first question it posed to the mainline population at San Quentin in May 2011, when the column began: What is Cinco de Mayo? What do you think Cinco de Mayo celebrates or commemorates?
“Asked On The Line” asked the 19 men who participated in the Mother’s Day piece, what they think Cinco de Mayo celebrates. Eleven did not know what is celebrated on that day. “I don’t know. Revolution? Independence?” said Eduardo DelaPena. “I don’t know what it is,” said Kenyatta Leal. “But I know it’s not Mexican Independence Day.” Joe Demerson said, “I think they attribute that day to some sort of independence day.”
Others came to the conclusion that it was some sort of Mexican Heritage celebration or commemoration of some significant event. Trent Capell said, “Mexicans celebrate their liberation from something having to do with the Spanish.” Ke Lam said, “I think they celebrate their heritage.” Eddie Griffin said, “I had a cultural awareness group. I think the 5th of May represents some hurdle that the people of Mexico crossed or attained. I don’t know. A battle or event? Something significant.”
Five of the men were familiar with what Cinco de Mayo celebrates. Juan Arballo, Jose Camacho, Jose Linares, and Arturo Avalos all said it was for the “Battle of Puebla”. Robert Falstisco got it right when he said, “I think they (Mexicans) celebrate a victory over the French. It was a battle that they won.”
