Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration on May 5th that celebrates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today, people of Mexican heritage celebrate Cinco de Mayo to honor their resistance, growth, and victory as a country. Although the Second French Empire tried to overtake them, Mexico emerged victorious. As followers of Christ, we should be aware of various cultures and learn more about them as we progress in our lives.
God created all cultures, and they deserve to be celebrated. Even if you have not personally celebrated Cinco de Mayo in recent years, give it a chance. You may find it is your new favorite holiday! While many people confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexico's independence, it is actually a celebration of their resistance and endurance. Let's celebrate with Mexico and toast their victory in 1862.
Within the United States, many people celebrate Cinco de Mayo through cultural events, foods, and music. Faith across cultures doesn't have to be a scary topic; instead, it can be one that we learn from. Just because a fellow believer celebrates differently from us doesn't mean it is wrong. As long as all celebrations honor God, there is no reason to condemn our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
In your own life, what unique cultural traditions do you have? You may celebrate birthdays, the Chinese New Year, or the first day of the spring, summer, fall, or winter equinox. Celebrating faith across cultures is a wonderful blessing and gift. It gives the opportunity to learn from one another, grow in knowledge, and foster hope in our hearts.
Cultural Events for Cinco De Mayo
There are many cultural events associated with Cinco de Mayo. For one, there is dancing. The most famous dance associated with Cinco de Mayo is the Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican Hat Dance). This is a dance performed by couples that symbolizes their tradition, family, and unity. Dressed in regional dresses and cultural suits, celebrants can dance the day away and enjoy the company of their friends and family.
You could search online and see if any cultural events are happening in your hometown for Cinco de Mayo. If you have any friends with Mexican heritage, ask if you can join them for a special event. Cinco de Mayo events feature storytelling and sharing past experiences; therefore, it is a beautiful holiday to celebrate with others. Someone with Mexican heritage can share what Cinco de Mayo means to their family and how it has shaped them as a person.
It is a beautiful experience to witness someone's culture shining through. Culture is not something we are born with; we grow up in a culture, and it becomes part of us. We pride ourselves in our culture because, in a way, it brings us back home. Listen to your friend share their experiences of Cinco de Mayo and be a shoulder to cry on if they have any fond memories of how their late mother used to cook special dishes or play cultural games with them on this wonderful holiday.
Cultures bring us together and help us to see God’s beauty in various ways. In your own life, how have you seen God’s beauty shine through during cultural celebrations? Maybe you saw God’s loving hand upon your life when you connected with a loved one for a unique cultural tradition, meal, or celebration. Don't condemn unique celebrations; instead, embrace them. Cultures mold and shape us into who we are: the loving hands and feet of Christ to the world.
Cultural Foods for Cinco De Mayo
Cultural foods are a major part of Cinco de Mayo. In truth, food is a way we can all come together and celebrate the Lord. Luke 22:19 records, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” Every time we break bread and eat together, we can remember the Lord.
The same holds when we gather around our loved ones at a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Listen to your loved ones tell stories, recount past holiday celebrations, or share plans for the future. Meal time is a special time where we can all come together and fellowship. We must never overlook the power of connection and sharing a delicious meal.
A few cultural foods to try for Cinco de Mayo include guacamole, street corn, tacos, and burritos. Wonderful recipes found online can be your first step to creating your own Cinco de Mayo celebration. Whether this is your first Cinco de Mayo or your fiftieth, try to make a new dish this year. If you are meeting with loved ones, encourage everyone to bring a unique Cinco de Mayo-themed dish. This will ensure everyone feels a part of the celebration! It will also be a wonderful time to try unique dishes that celebrate Mexican heritage.
Cultural Music for Cinco De Mayo
It wouldn't be Cinco de Mayo without music! Classic examples of Cinco de Mayo music include traditional Mariachi, Norteño, Banda, and Latin pop. If you go to a Cinco de Mayo parade, you will be sure to hear a beautiful orchestra of various cultural instruments. Mexican music is lively, moving, and energetic. It will make you want to get up and dance!
Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating; therefore, don't be afraid to try your hand at playing a musical instrument for this special holiday. If you own a unique instrument, challenge yourself to learn it before Cinco de Mayo. You could learn to play a traditional cultural song and perform it for your family. There are endless possibilities to celebrate this wonderful holiday!
Celebrating Various Cultural Holidays
We can celebrate faith across cultures because Jesus is not uniquely tied to one culture. The Lord created us all uniquely, with different cultures (Psalm 139:13-14). This gives us the freedom to celebrate various cultures and glorify God in our worship. Bring God into your cultural celebrations. Center your mind on Christ, lean into His love, and share your heart with others.
Perhaps you are not natively Mexican, but that doesn't mean you cannot partake in Cinco de Mayo. Celebrate this wonderful holiday with your loved ones this year. Pray over the matter, ask God to bring new friends into your life, and celebrate Mexico's victory!
A Prayer for Cinco de Mayo
Dear Jesus, Cinco de Mayo is a wonderful holiday that declares Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire. May this be a day where we are reminded to stand up for what we believe in. We don't have to give in; we can resist and emerge victorious. This is all because of You, Christ.
Thank you for blessing us with unique cultures and traditions. May all these celebrations bring us back to You. Help me connect with old friends and new friends alike this holiday season. I praise You for Your loving hand upon my life. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez
