Now many of you are probably thinking, "Who is General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín ?" I guess it is time for little history lesson, courtesy of Wikipedia. While the US was fighting its civil war, France was trying a little settling of their own in Mexico. General Seguín led an army of about 2000 against an army of about 4000. The Mexican victory, in this battle on May 5 1862 in the city of Puebla, Mexico was significant for but a moment. The French soon returned and occupied Mexico City until 1867. This date, Cinco de Mayo, is a regional celebration and not the date of Mexico's Independence from Spain (September 16 in case you were wondering) as so many people think. To make it our own (and to cover the confusion of those of us who have difficulty with history), it heavily celebrated in the US as a date to recognize Mexican heritage.
I'm sure most of you are wondering, "Why would General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín spin in his grave?" Who cares what Americans have done to the original meaning of yet another holiday. Well, there is one bunch of Americans in particular, the staff of one of Montgomery's radio stations. I only listen to the station for the syndicated morning show, Rick and Bubba, but am still inundated by the stations commercials.
Their idea of celebrating this day is with the "Sink O de Mayo" contest at one of the local Tex-Mex restaurant chains. They fill a giant sink with mayonnaise and put prizes in the bottom. Contestants have to fish for their prizes. Sounds kinda gross to me, but then again I like mayonnaise on my french fries and some people think that is gross.
Feliz cinco de mayo!!
1 comment:
Your brain works in very mysterious ways.
(:
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