Cinco de Mayo
Note: This page is a work in progress and is not yet done.
Contents
Part of Speech
Proper Noun
Pronunciation
Cinco de Mayo [sin-ko/de/ my-o ]
Description
“Cinco de Mayo”, translating to “the fifth of May” in English, is a day of commemoration of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla (1862) during the Franco-Mexican War (1861 -1867). ^
Etymology
Through time it has increased in popularity within the Mexican-American community in the United States and has become a minimal holiday in Mexico. Usage: Pertaining to the Northwestern Community, Cinco de Mayo has been a holiday that has been culturally appropriated throughout the country with mustaches, ponchos, and the infamous cinco de mayo cerveza (“beer”) or margaritas. Northwestern’s Hispanic/Latino Student Alliance Alianza along with Northwestern’s Student Associated Government (ASG) sent a joint letter asking for university students to be culturally sensitive about the event. The letter ^^ received backlash and reactions even went viral on media outlets such as Opposing View ^^ and The College Fix ^^^.
Usage
Cinco de Mayo is used to refer to the holiday. However in Northwestern context, given the past year it refers to the Cinco de Mayo controversy letter sent to undergraduate students. Anyone can use it is not restricted.
Example Sentence
- Let's go get Cinco de Mayo margaritas.
- There are some specials since today is Cinco de Mayo.
Note: In order to convey the different interpretations of the word the example sentences and the caption of the image uses code switching between Spanish and English.
Video
If you would like to see an informational video about what Cinco de Mayo is please refer to the link below which takes you to the History Channel's brief video overview of the historic event.
