Cinco de Mayo which is Spanish for “fifth of May” is a celebration held on May 5. This celebration occurs in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla which in English is called The Day of the Battle of Puebla.
One important note that needs to be mentioned is that although Mexican citizens feel very proud of the meaning of Cinco de Mayo, it is not a national holiday in Mexico, but it is an official holiday in the State of Puebla where the mentioned battle took place.
What is interesting is how Cinco de Mayo originated and became a celebration with colorful art from the color wheel filled with Segmation Amigos hot pink dancing, red skirt, flamenco women, colorful singer and playing guitars. This celebration originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War, thus therefore the date, May 5th is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.
The American Cinco de Mayo celebration originated in the Mexican-American communities of the American West, SouthWest, and Northwest in the 1860s. It grew in popularity and evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, first in areas with large Mexican-American populations, like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.
Eventually the celebration expanded across the United States. On June 7, 2005, the U.S. Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution calling on the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
It is worth to mention that Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the American Civil War are credited with being the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States.
In the United States Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols. Celebrations include display of Cinco de Mayo banners and special events to educate people about the historical significance of Cinco de Mayo and to highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on beverages, foods, art, and music.
How Are You Celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Will you be celebrating in a major cities across the country and taking part in cultural and colorful art festivities as well? Share with Segmation by leaving a comment below.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo
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As an interior decorator, as well as author, I understand the psychology of color and how it can enhance a mood. Great to share.
This is a wonderful Cinco de Mayo post! One of my daughters will be dancing at a school event on the 3rd. Can’t wait to go see her 🙂
I hope you all enjoy yourself then at the dance! Thanks so much for your comment. Enjoy Cinco de Mayo! http://www.segmation.com