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Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Cinco de Mayo celebrates resilience and culture of Mexican people
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Cinco de Mayo festivities are taking place across the US with music, tacos, tequila and colorful displays of Mexican culture — even if they're not always the most authentic. The day falls on a Monday this year, meaning the bulk of the celebrations took place over the weekend. In California, a state with a large Mexican American population, there was a mix of art displays, classic car shows, parades and food truck offerings. In Austin, Texas, events included an opportunity for children to get their photo taken with characters from the Disney animated musical "Encanto," which was inspired by Colombian culture but celebrates broader Latino cultures. A luncheon with speakers talking about the significance of the Mexican holiday and Mexican Americans in Austin was planned for Monday. Here's a look at the celebration and its roots: Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph over the better-equipped and much larger French troops was an enormous emotional boost for Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. In Mexico, historical reenactments are held annually in the central city of Puebla to commemorate the victory. Participants dress as Mexican and French troops, and as Zacapoaxtlas — the Indigenous and farmer contingent that helped Mexican troops win. In the United States the date is seen as a celebration of Mexican American culture, stretching back to the 1800s in California. Festivities typically include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions and baile folklórico, or folkloric ballet, with whirling dancers wearing bright, ruffled dresses and their hair tied with shiny ribbons. Latino activists and scholars say that disconnect in the US is bolstered by the hazy history of Cinco de Mayo, and marketing that plays on stereotypes that include fake, droopy mustaches and gigantic, colorful sombreros. The day often is mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which is in September. For many Americans with or without Mexican ancestry, the day is an excuse to toss back tequila shots and gorge on tortilla chips, nachos and tacos. The celebrations in the US started as a way for Mexican Americans to preserve their cultural identity, said Sehila Mota Casper, director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. "Since then we've seen a shift to more commercialization and commodification and mockery over the years," Mota Casper said. "I think that has a lot to do with the commercialization of products and especially Latino heritage." Mota Casper encourages people to learn about that day in history and its importance in Mexico. Jacob Troncoza, 49, said he celebrates Cinco de Mayo in his household because he's proud of his Mexican ancestry. "I try to make sure that the kids understand what it's about, which was the revolution, the war, and the battles that our grandfathers fought on," said Troncoza, who was born in east Los Angeles. Others, like Andrea Ruiz don't because her Mexican dad never did. But she noted what she deemed the irony in widespread celebrations. "I think it's funny Trump ... and all of his supporters want to get Mexicans out, call them criminals, but then on Cinco de Mayo, they want to go and eat tacos and drink tequila," the 23-year-old Ruiz said. Since returning to the White House, Trump has continued to label Mexican immigrants as criminals and gang members. He's also sought to end birthright citizenship, renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and ended the federal government's diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Trump acknowledged Cinco de Mayo during his first term, posting on X, "Happy #CincoDeMayo!" and "I love Hispanics!" as he sat with a "taco bowl." In the last presidential election, data showed more young Hispanic men moved to the right and voted for Trump . It's unclear if the current administration will acknowledge Cinco de Mayo — designated a holiday in Mexico but not in the United States. The Associated Press sent an email to the White House Press Office late Friday seeking comment. Trump's handling of immigration remains a point of strength as he ramps up deportations and targets people living in the US without legal status, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. While Trump's actions remain divisive, there's less of a consensus that the Republican president has overstepped on immigration than on other issues, the poll found. Organizers of Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade said they canceled it because the city has become a target for immigration agents.
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
Cinco de Mayo celebrates resilience and culture of Mexican people
AUSTIN, Texas -- Cinco de Mayo festivities are taking place across the U.S. with music, tacos, tequila and colorful displays of Mexican culture — even if they're not always the most authentic. The day falls on a Monday this year, meaning the bulk of the celebrations took place over the weekend. In California, a state with a large Mexican American population, there was a mix of art displays, classic car shows, parades and food truck offerings. In Austin, Texas, events included an opportunity for children to get their photo taken with characters from the Disney animated musical 'Encanto," which was inspired by Colombian culture but celebrates broader Latino cultures. A luncheon with speakers talking about the significance of the Mexican holiday and Mexican Americans in Austin was planned for Monday. Here's a look at the celebration and its roots: Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph over the better-equipped and much larger French troops was an enormous emotional boost for Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. In Mexico, historical reenactments are held annually in the central city of Puebla to commemorate the victory. Participants dress as Mexican and French troops, and as Zacapoaxtlas — the Indigenous and farmer contingent that helped Mexican troops win. In the United States the date is seen as a celebration of Mexican American culture, stretching back to the 1800s in California. Festivities typically include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions and baile folklórico, or folkloric ballet, with whirling dancers wearing bright, ruffled dresses and their hair tied with shiny ribbons. Latino activists and scholars say that disconnect in the U.S. is bolstered by the hazy history of Cinco de Mayo, and marketing that plays on stereotypes that include fake, droopy mustaches and gigantic, colorful sombreros. The day often is mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which is in September. For many Americans with or without Mexican ancestry, the day is an excuse to toss back tequila shots and gorge on tortilla chips, nachos and tacos. The celebrations in the U.S. started as a way for Mexican Americans to preserve their cultural identity, said Sehila Mota Casper, director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. 'Since then we've seen a shift to more commercialization and commodification and mockery over the years," Mota Casper said. "I think that has a lot to do with the commercialization of products and especially Latino heritage.' Mota Casper encourages people to learn about that day in history and its importance in Mexico. Jacob Troncoza, 49, said he celebrates Cinco de Mayo in his household because he's proud of his Mexican ancestry. 'I try to make sure that the kids understand what it's about, which was the revolution, the war, and the battles that our grandfathers fought on,' said Troncoza, who was born in east Los Angeles. Others, like Andrea Ruiz don't because her Mexican dad never did. But she noted what she deemed the irony in widespread celebrations. 'I think it's funny Trump … and all of his supporters want to get Mexicans out, call them criminals, but then on Cinco de Mayo, they want to go and eat tacos and drink tequila,' the 23-year-old Ruiz said. Since returning to the White House, Trump has continued to label Mexican immigrants as criminals and gang members. He's also sought to end birthright citizenship, renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and ended the federal government's diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Trump acknowledged Cinco de Mayo during his first term, posting on X, 'Happy #CincoDeMayo!' and 'I love Hispanics!' as he sat with a 'taco bowl.' In the last presidential election, data showed more young Hispanic men moved to the right and voted for Trump. It's unclear if the current administration will acknowledge Cinco de Mayo — designated a holiday in Mexico but not in the United States. The Associated Press sent an email to the White House Press Office late Friday seeking comment. Trump's handling of immigration remains a point of strength as he ramps up deportations and targets people living in the U.S. without legal status, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. While Trump's actions remain divisive, there's less of a consensus that the Republican president has overstepped on immigration than on other issues, the poll found. Organizers of Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade said they canceled it because the city has become a target for immigration agents.
Black America Web
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Spirit.Ed: Check Out Our 2025 Cinco De Mayo Roundup
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is here, and per usual, many bars and those in the United States use this day to celebrate Mexican heritage, cuisine, and, of course, agave-based spirits. For this year's roundup, is hoghloghing the cocktails for the Mexican holiday, including a booze-free option. I'll keep it level with you, readers. I almost didn't make this roundup for various reasons. Chief among them is the fact that Americans should really learn the real history of Cinco de Mayo and realize it's something that's not even widely celebrated in Mexico. Further, I've been to Cinco de Mayo gatherings in the States over the years, replete with all kinds of stereotypes against Mexican people. Here is what I wrote about the history of Cinco de Mayo last year: Since the 1800s, the day has somewhat focused on celebrating the connection between Mexican and American culture. In some cities, parties, musical performances, parades, and food will be a centerpiece. A fair point of criticism of the day is people not of Mexican descent putting on outfits connected to the country's culture yet enforcing offensive stereotypes. Beyond Puebla, the holiday isn't widely celebrated in Mexico. The true root of Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican military against French invaders at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza led his troops against the relatively advanced military might of the French soldiers, giving them a boost in morale. Military leaders in the United States came to the aid of Mexico, causing the French to vacate their occupation in 1867. However, our Mexican brothers and sisters do like a good drink, and you can go out and enjoy one without wearing a dollar store sombrero or donning a mustache, so that's what I'm concentrating on. Because I've been having some long weekends due to the gig, I'm going to take it easy, hence why I also included a mocktail in this roundup for those of us looking to still celebrate but without the buzz. The roundup is centered strictly on agave-based cocktails. I am aware that there are Cinco de Mayo-inspired drinks featuring other spirits, but I wanted to keep things as close to traditional as possible. While there are margaritas in the mix, we've got some other agave spirit-based drinks listed to. Enjoy this latest Cinco de Mayo roundup, and enjoy your drinks sensibly. — Photo: Brent Hofacker / 500px / Getty Check Out Our 2025 Cinco De Mayo Roundup was originally published on Source:Cazadores Ingredients: 1 ½ oz. Tequila CAZADORES Blanco (Made with 100% Blue Weber Agave)1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice1 oz. Agave Syrup1 Quarter of Avocado1 Sprig of Cilantro 1 Slice of Roasted Jalapeño Method: Muddle avocado, cilantro and jalapeño in a mixing glass. Add the rest of the ingredients with ice, then shake and serve over the rocks. Source:Casamigos Recipe: 1.5 oz. Casamigos Cristalino Tequila 1 oz. Fresh Watermelon Juice or 4-5 Fresh Watermelon Chunks (1') .5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice .25 oz. Simple Syrup 8-10 Mint Leaves 4 Dashes Peychaud's® Bitters Garnish Mint Sprig and Watermelon Chunk Through Skewer Instructions: Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker. Muddle fruit/herbs. Add ice, shake vigorously, and fine strain into a rocks glass. Add fresh ice and garnish. Source:Cointreau Ingredients: 1 oz Cointreau 2 oz Tequila1 oz of Cold Brew Coffee 0.5 oz of Oat Milk Directions: Add all ingredients into shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with espresso beans. Source:Hennessy Ingredients: 1.5 oz Hennessy V.S0.75 oz fresh lime juice0.5 oz orange liqueur .25 oz Agave syrup Method:Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake to chill. Strain into glass with ice Optional: 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Source:Ghost Tequila 2 oz Ghost Tequila1 oz Lime Juice1oz strawberry infused simple syruptopped with Ginger Beer Garnish: Lime wheel Directions: Measure and pour all ingredients in a copper mule mug filled with ice. Stir gently. Garnish with lime wheel. Source:Hpnotiq Directons: 1.5 oz Hpnotiq 1 oz Lunazul Blanco0.5 oz lime juice0.5 oz agave syrup (10:1 agave to water)5 jalapeno slices Glassware: Double Rocks Directions: In a mixing glass, muddle jalapeño with lime juice. Add the remaining ingredients. Shake until well chilled. Fill a Collins glass with ice, and double-strain the cocktail into the glass. Source:Mi Campo INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Tequila Mi CAMPO Blanco½ oz Orange Liqueur½ oz Agave Nectar 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice INSTRUCTIONS: Measure all ingredients and combine in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and then strain over fresh ice in a double rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge. Source:HOPWTR Ingredients:3oz Fresh Pineapple Juice1/2 oz Agave Syrup1/4 oz Sweetened Ginger Juice3 Drops Liquid Chlorophyll (optional) Lime HOPWTR Method: Add all ingredients except for the Lime HOPWTR to a tin shaker with ice. Shake with ice until cold and strain into a glass over ice. Top with Lime HOPWTR, garnish with a lime wheel + mint. Enjoy! Source:mezcal union Ingredients: 1.25 oz Mezcal Unión El Viejo2 oz Grapefruit Juice.5 oz Lime Juice.5 oz Simple Syrup3 drops Saline Solution (see below for preparation)*1-2 dashes Firewater Tincture (optional) Top with: 1-2oz Fever Club Soda Preparation: Shake: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain: Fine strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top & Garnish: Top with Fever Tree Club Soda Water and garnish with bruleed grapefruit (brulee with brown sugar on top of a half-moon grapefruit slice) *Saline Solution: 20 grams of salt 80 grams of water Preparation:Measure Salt: Weigh out 20 grams of salt using a digital Water: Weigh out 80 grams of water. Mix: Combine the salt and water in the mixing container and stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Source:Cincoro RECIPE: 2oz Cincoro Blanco.75oz Passion Fruit Liqueur.5oz Muddled Jalapenos.5oz fresh lime .25oz Agave METHOD: Combine, shake and strain over ice GARNISH: dehydrated lime and tajin rim Source:Wild Common Ingredients: 2 oz Wild Common Tequila Blanco1.5 oz pineapple juice (Dole canned works best)0.5 oz Lime juice0.5 oz agave sweetener2 oz dashes orange bitters Soda water Preparation: Fill highball glass with ice. Combine Tequila, pineapple juice and lime juice stir. Top with soda water. Source:Cantera Negra Ingredients: 2.5 parts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila1.5 parts Fresh lime juiceTop with sparkling waterInstructions: Combine Cantera Negra Silver and fresh lime juice in a rocks glass with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel. Source:Jon Basil Tequila Ingredients: 2 oz Jon Basil Reposado 1 oz Campari0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.50 oz Agave Instructions: In a mixing tin, combine all ingredients. Add ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for a refreshing finish. Source:Hampton Water INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Hampton Water Rosé 1 oz Santo Blanco Tequila½ oz Lemon Juice½ oz Lime Juice 1 oz Simple Syrup DIRECTIONS: Run a lime wedge over the rim of a glass then dip in sugar and set aside. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into prepared glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a strawberry and lime wheel. Source:Kilinga Bacanora Ingredients – Serves 6 8 oz (1 part) Kilinga Bacanora Reposado 8 oz (1 part) Licor 438 oz (1 part) Espresso8 oz (1 part) Water 2 dashes (per serve) Chocolate Bitters How to make it:1. Carefully measure all ingredients into a 1 Liter bottle. NB: The bottle WILL NOTBE COMPLETELY FULL(You can either reuse a glass wine or spirits bottle, or buy a nice swing-top bottle).2. Place the bottle in the fridge and make it really cold before serving.3. To serve, take lowball glasses and fill with cubed ice.4. Add a couple of dashes of Chocolate Bitters to each glass then take the bottleof cocktail from the fridge.5. Shake the bottle really hard to froth up the drink. This is why the bottle was not completely fIlled with liquid, as the liquid needs room to shake in the bottle. Source:Astral Tequila 1.5 oz Astral Tequila Blanco1 oz Fresh Lime Juice.5 oz Agave Nectar4 Pieces Watermelon Garnish: Watermelon Wedge How To Make: Add Astral Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and watermelon into a shaker and muddle. Fill shaker with ice and shake, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, garnish with watermelon wedge. Source:Herradura Ingredients: 1 oz Herradura Reposado1 oz Licor 431.5 oz Fresh Espresso0.5 oz Vanilla Syrup 1 dash Orange Bitters Method: Shake all ingredients over ice. Fine strain into glass. Garnish with dehydrated orange slice and ground nutmeg or cinnamon to dust one half of the drink. Source:Fresh Victor 3oz Fresh Victor Cactus Pear & Pomegranate1.5-2oz reposado or añejo tequila1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or (.05oz cinnamon syrup) 1 cinnamon stick Directions: In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients, fill the shaker with ice, shake well (to chill and dilute) and strain over ice in a 10-12oz glass. Add cinnamon stick garnish and serve. Source:Cheeky Cocktails Ingredients2 oz Tequila .75 oz Cheeky Lime Juice .5 oz Cheeky Agave Syrup Garnish: Lime Wedge or Wheel Method: Add all ingredients into a mixing tin and fill with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds and strain into a coup or rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.
Mint
05-05-2025
- General
- Mint
Cinco de Mayo: Meaning, battle of Puebla, and celebrations explained
Cinco de Mayo, celebrated every year on May 5, honors the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on this day in 1862. Despite being outnumbered and under-equipped, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the much larger and better-equipped French army. The victory became a symbol of resistance and pride for Mexico, marking a pivotal moment in the Second French Intervention. Cinco de Mayo means "Fifth of May" in Spanish. Cinco de Mayo is pronounced cin-koh deh my-oh in English. The Spanish pronunciation is [ˈsiŋ.ko ðe ˈma.ʝo]. In Spanish, the "cinco" is pronounced as "sing-koh", and the "de" is a prepostion meaning "of". The Cambridge Dictionary provides the pronunciation in both English and Spanish. On May 5, 1862, a determined Mexican force of about 2,000 soldiers faced off against 6,000 French troops led by General Felix de Lorencez. After hours of fierce fighting, 1,000 French soldiers were killed, while fewer than 500 Mexicans lost their lives. The unexpected Mexican victory was celebrated across the country and continues to be a source of national pride. Though widely celebrated in the US, Cinco de Mayo is often misunderstood. It is not Mexico's Independence Day. Instead, Cinco de Mayo is specifically about commemorating Mexico's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. It became especially prominent in the United States, where it is seen as a day to celebrate Mexican culture, heritage, and contributions to American society. In both the US and Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a day for festivities, including parades, mariachi music, folk dancing, and Mexican cuisine. People often dress in colorful, festive clothing, with many wearing the colors of the Mexican flag—red, white, and green. In the US, it has grown into a larger celebration of Mexican-American culture, with cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Chicago hosting vibrant celebrations. On Cinco de Mayo, a common greeting in Spanish is "Feliz Cinco de Mayo!" meaning "Happy Fifth of May." This phrase is used to spread joy and celebrate the cultural significance of the holiday. While the holiday is celebrated primarily in the US today, the City of Puebla remains the focal point of the day in Mexico, with reenactments, cultural events, and parades commemorating the historic victory. Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of Mexico's resilience and a celebration of Mexican culture, history, and heritage. First Published: 5 May 2025, 08:21 PM IST
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
What is Cinco de Mayo? History, traditions and modern meaning of the day
Each year on May 5, communities across Mexico and the United States mark Cinco de Mayo —a holiday deeply rooted in a proud moment of resistance. While the holiday is often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day (which actually falls on September 16), Cinco de Mayo commemorates a single, symbolic military victory over foreign invaders during a time of national struggle. The Battle of Puebla In the early 1860s, Mexico was dealing with a heavy economical crisis. Years of internal conflict had rendered the country in deep debt. As a result of that, in 1861, the Mexican government announced that it would temporarily stop repaying its loans to European nations. In response, Britain, Spain, and France sent military forces to Mexico to demand payment. While Britain and Spain eventually reached agreements and withdrew. France seemingly had different plans. Under the leadership of Napoleon III, France aimed to take control of Mexico and install a European-style monarchy. They had hoped that this move would expand their influence in the region and limit the growing power of the United States. Thus on May 5, 1862, the French troops advanced toward Mexico City hoping to get an easy win but they were in for a surprise. As they reached the city of Puebla, they were met with resistance. Despite being outnumbered and poorly equipped, Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza managed to defeat the French army. The battle, which lasted only a day, had a lasting impact. The Mexican army managed to kill about 1,000 French soldiers and forced the rest to retreat. Though France later returned with more troops and took control of Mexico City, the victory at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican courage and national pride. Today, the city is known as Puebla de Zaragoza in honor of the general who led the defense. The battlefield is preserved as a park, and a museum tells the story of that momentous day. Traditions and celebrations In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated mostly in the state of Puebla. The day includes military parades, battle reenactments, speeches, and cultural events. In most other parts of the country, it's a quieter day and not a national holiday. In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has grown into a much larger celebration—especially in cities with large Mexican-American communities. It has become a way for people to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture through music, food, dance, and community events. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston often host festivals featuring mariachi bands, traditional folk dancing, and parades with colorful floats. Mexican food is also a big part of the celebration. Tacos, tamales, guacamole, churros, and mole poblano—a traditional dish from Puebla—are popular choices. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
