Every year on the 5th of May, colorful banners go up, mariachi music fills the air, and tacos are consumed at higher-than-normal levels across Los Angeles. For many, Cinco de Mayo feels like a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. But beneath all the festivities, the question remains: are we really celebrating history or reinforcing stereotypes? 

Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. This holiday is actually celebrated on September 16th, but not many people outside Mexican culture know about it or have heard of it. In reality, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army’s victory against French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While this is a historically meaningful event, it is not celebrated throughout Mexico as it is in the United States.

So why is the holiday celebrated more in the US than in Mexico? The answer, as most things are, is capitalism, commercialism, and reinterpreted culture. In the US, in particular cities with large Mexican American populations, such as LA, the holiday evolved into something bigger. 

In the most appropriate light, it is a positive opportunity to recognize the culture, history, and identity of the Mexican people. However, this is often not the case. Cinco de Mayo, especially in popular media, can reduce the richness of the culture to a handful of cliches. For example, sombreros, fake mustaches, and exaggerated accents commonly replace authentic elements of the culture. 

Living in Los Angeles, I find myself in a unique position. Our city is so deeply shaped and influenced by Mexican culture, from food to art to language, and I feel it is important to focus on more than themed parties and Instagram hashtags this Cinco de Mayo. I think we should all take the chance this year to engage in the culture more thoughtfully. However, we can still do this with a taco in our hand (especially because this year Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday – everyone’s favorite day of the week)!