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Cinco de Mayo is a significant holiday celebrated by Mexicans wherever they may be. Nationalistic pride runs deep in the blood of the very proud Mexican, and the defeat of the French invaders in 1862 in the Battle of Puebla inspires great celebrations in all Mexican communities.

In Mexico, a national holiday is good cause to celebrate because most working class Mexicans put in long hours. Local politicians will give their speeches, and parades will be held. The local mercados(markets) will be crowded with the goods prepared for the event. Young ladies will dress in their finest, and young men will be waiting at the local square, looking for flirtatious glances.

Eating and drinking will be the order of the day, featuring traditional special meals such as barbacoa (cow brains cooked with spices), menudo (a spicy dish made from intestines), and cabrito (charcoal cooked goat). These meat specialties will be accompanied with piles of tortillas, beans, and rice. There will likely be lots of tequila (Mexico's national alcoholic beverage), and cases of Carta Blanca, Tecate, Corona, or other local beers.

Some of the bigger towns may have a bull fight planned, a great sporting event in the eyes of many Mexicans. There will undoubtedly be cock-fights with fighting roosters in the rural areas during the evening hours. The Mexican people are fond of partying, and sometimes it can get out of hand. There is a Mexican saying that "if no one was killed, it must not have been a very good party!". Of course, that is in jest, but indicative of the concept that partying is a serious endeavor.

A local dance is sure to be planned for the evening hours, and the younger generation will enjoy lively music that will include traditional dances, as well as heartfelt corridos. The folkloric dances of Mexico are a rich source of beauty, and the history of the Mexican people. The musical instrumentation of the Mexican marimba, the diatonic accordion, and the trumpets and violins of the Mariachis will undoubtedly be a major part of the music presented.

If you are interested in decorating your party for this Cinco de Mayo (5th of May), make sure to include plenty of red, green, and white. These are the colors of the Mexican flag, and along with the above mentioned food and drink will frame your personal observation of the day of the heroic defense of Puebla. Viva Mexico! Long live Mexico!

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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