There is an old proverb “April showers bring May Flowers.” So it means that in May, we have the joy of spring in bloom. But May is not only a time for flowers though: for there is Mother’s Day, May Day, and of course, Cinco De Mayo, (the 5th of May). It is a holiday that is celebrated a lot in the United States, and even with students at Everett Community College. “I usually go out with my friends drinking that day” student David Johnson said. Student Janice Todre however choses to spend the holiday with her family. “My family and I usually have a big Mexican dinner that night. It’s fun.” Some of the bigger celebrations include parades, exhibits, and fairs, all in the name of celebrating Mexican Heritage.

However, Cinco De Mayo is not celebrated much in Mexico, but that may be because the United States has misinterpreted what the day really means. The 5th of May has been thought of as Mexico’s Independence day, (which is really September 16th), but is really the day that commemorates the Mexican’s army victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). It is a common mistake. Meaning, not many know what Cinco De Mayo is truly about. “Oh, I thought it was when Mexico got freedom from Spain or something”, Janice Todre had admitted after finding out the history of the day. Sonia Saurez, who grew up as a child in Mexico, had a lot to say on the subject of the holiday. “I knew what it was. Like, I knew what Cinco De Mayo really was. I’ve always known. Taught about it when I was young. But we didn’t really celebrate it. And when I moved to the United States, and saw people celebrating it and calling it Mexico’s Independence day, I wondered if there was a language barrier or something. I mean, most people have it wrong. It’s not our independence day.”

Still, Cinco De Mayo is a time where people can get together and celebrate Mexican culture. And while it may not be celebrated that much in Mexico, the significance for it is remembered by them. “They have a really cool culture,” stated student Cameron Stevens. “It’s fun to get to be part of it for one day”. So, on Cinco De Mayo while out celebrating, people should remember that it was a day where lives were lost, and a victory was made.