Cinco de Mayo is one of the most misunderstood holidays that has ever existed. Many people don’t know what they are celebrating and are unaware they are contributing to negative Mexican stereotypes. 

Every year as Cinco de Mayo approaches, I roll my eyes at every drink special, the over-sized sombreros, the fake mustaches, the maracas and the chanting of the word “arriba.”

I cringe every time I see someone drinking their livers away claiming they love Cinco de Mayo.

Those who partake in Cinco de Mayo celebrations try to justify these themes by saying they are celebrating Mexico’s independence day. Here’s a little history lesson: Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of the Mexican victory against the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The victory was unlikely to happen because Mexican forces were outnumbered and ill equipped compared to the French.

Cinco de Mayo is mainly celebrated in Puebla, it’s not as recognized in the rest of Mexico. It became observed in the United States and made popular by Chicanos during the rise of the Chicano movement. It’s a day observed to celebrate Mexican culture and pride, but it is not necessarily a celebration of the battle itself. 

People forget about the historical and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo. Instead of taking this day to learn about and appreciate the Mexican culture, it is now used as an excuse to party and bring out the Mexican stereotypes. 

The most recent display of culturally insensitive Cinco de Mayo stereotypes that I, as well as other Sac State students, was appalled by was the flier that was created by the student director of the Green Army.

This flier was meant to promote the Hornet baseball game on May 5. It depicted Herkey the Hornet wearing a serape and sombrero and holding a maraca in one hand while holding a bat on the other. It’s surprising to see that such cultural insensitivity still occurs in a place of higher education with a diverse body of students. 

My culture is not a costume. It’s not something you can buy at a store and wear for a day. It’s an experience. 

My culture are the traditions that I grew up with and have gotten passed down from generation to generation. It’s the sense of patriotism when I hear the Mexican national anthem. Most importantly, it’s our history and being able to remember the hardships our people have faced in order to gain our country’s independence. 

It’s not completely wrong to celebrate Cinco de Mayo as long as it is celebrated for the right reasons. Take advantage of this day to celebrate and familiarize yourself with Mexican culture through events that are meant to promote cultural awareness instead of going to an event that will profit from mocking our culture. Leave the tequila and over sized sombreros at home and celebrate the real Cinco de Mayo …not the Cinco de Drinko.