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Navigation: | Cinco De Mayo
Perhaps you haven't heard of this holiday before but you soon will.
People of Mexican ancestry are now the largest minority in the United States and Cinco De Mayo is a holiday of growing importance, said Stephanie Rizo of El Mariachi Restaurant.
"I never heard of the holiday growing up in Beckley, W.Va.," she said, "but that changed about nine years ago when I met Jose, my husband, the owner of El Mariachi Restaurants. I've noticed the holiday is getting better known and more commercial, like so many American Holidays."
Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican Revolutionary War's most memorable battle, El Mariachi associate Virgil Ellison said. On May 5, 1862, Mexican soldiers defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla, he said.
It isn't to be confused with Independence Day, Ellison added. Mexico's Independence is celebrated on Sept. 16. Many people do not realize that Mexico used to be a part of an area (Azlan?) that included Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California, he said.
Cinco De Mayo is a festive affair during which folks south of the border go so far as to shoot guns in the air, an ill advised and dangerous way to celebrate, he said.
"The real purpose of Cinco De Mayo is to honor bravery and mark Mexico's victory. We celebrate through food, music and costume," Ellison said.
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