May 5th. celebration
This Saturday, May 5, is the 156th. commemoration of the battle of Puebla in Mexico. There are two things that can be highlighted about this date.
First, the historical part: In 1861, the President of Mexico, Benito Juárez, decided to make a payment moratorium to England, Spain and France, to which they owed 69, 9 and 2 million pesos, respectively. In 1862 these countries agreed to send military contingents to claim payment. England and Spain desisted from military use when they realized that what France intended was, under the economic pretext, to overthrow the Mexican government, to establish a colony that could counteract the growing power of the United States. And in their first attempt, they lost the vital Battle of Puebla, indispensable to get to Mexico City.
The second part is the celebration itself. Many Americans think that what is celebrated is the Independence of Mexico (which is September 16), but that is not so important, because what they really do is celebrate with Mexicans, as they do with the Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day.
This is, without doubt, the best day of the year for all Mexican restaurants: in all of them there is good food, lots of joy, lots of music, and, of course, lots of margaritas.
Maybe it’s just an excuse, a commercial trick or simply the beginning of going out to enjoy the warmer days, but no matter what, it is something that we should praise and thank.
In these difficult times, where government actions cause many Americans to question the value and contribution of immigrants, we must demonstrate through actions that we are an important part of the economy and culture, that we are happy and generous, and that —although we don’t say it— we appreciate very much all of those who give us their hand to help us be part of the greatness of this country.
