Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
In reality, Cinco de Mayo is, in many ways, a celebration of its own. While it originates from the Battle of Puebla, the reasons for its existence are debatable. Yet the clear truth behind Cinco de Mayo is that it is, in essence, a celebration of Mexican-American culture popular among the Chicano and Latin American communities.
Some say that Cinco de Mayo began in California when Mexicans who had moved there or had been living there before the United States annexed the territory began celebrating their cultural heritage after the defeat of the French. Others argue that the celebration comes after the American interest in a French defeat. At the moment, America was divided and at war with itself. The French Empire was ambiguous but could at any moment support the Confederacy and turn the war in their favor. Hence, a major French defeat was welcomed by the Americans, and their ultimate retreat from Mexico was equally favored.
The most likely origin is perhaps a combination of the two, with Mexican-Americans feeling a sense of pride after the victory of the French and a sort of reconciliation of their identity after their marginalization and oppression within the United States.
It is clear that it is easier to explain why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated today and to what it originally owes its name and inspiration. Pointing toward a precise origin within the United States is complicated but maybe also unnecessary. Like Saint Patrick’s Day for Irish Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture, identity, and the cultural syncretism within the United States and the Latin American diaspora.
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Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024. All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.
Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.
Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.
As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.
Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors. Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.
