Better than Cinco De Mayo! We’ve got Cinco De Quatro

Maybe the Mexicans have something to celebrate May 5th. But, for some people, particularly clueless white people, May 4th also has a special meaning. No. I’m not talking about Star wars day (although, that is a pretty white celebration too). Thanks to Arrested Development, we have Cinco de quatro. So, let’s head south of the border to sell dangerous cornballers, do a chicken dance, and drink some tequila. Along the way, we might just make some good food, and maybe sell a kidney on the black market. Carl Weathers you celebrate cinco de Mayo or quatro, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re going to bring you a menu worthy of Montezuma’s revenge (That didn’t come out right)…

What’s the big deal with Cinco de Mayo?

The reality of Cinco de Mayo isn’t as impressive as one would think. Mexican Independence day is actually September 16 and Revolution day is November 15. So, what’s the deal with Cinco de Mayo?

In fact, May 5th isn’t that big of a deal in Mexico itself. It garners far more attention in the USA. The origin of Cinco de Mayo dates back to May 5, 1862. Mexico had gone through a spate of invasions and occupations over the years. Not long after the Americans had defeated them in the Mexican American war, in 1848, they found themselves unable to repay debts to France, Britain, and Spain. Britain and Spain cut deals with Mexico. But, Napoleon was the leader of France. He saw an opportunity to conquer new lands.

In 1861, Napoleon sent his troupes in to subjugate Mexico. All went well until May 5, 1862 when an under-equipped and under-trained group of 2,000 Mexicans defeated 6,000 French troupes at the battle of Puebla. It was more of a morale boosting victory than a game changer. The war would continue until 1867, when the Americans were able to lend some support (we were a little preoccupied with our own little squabble known as the civil war at the time). In a way, it’s a little like American’s celebrating the Alamo (the Mexicans won that battle too).

Is there a moral to the story?

Mexicans and Mexican sympathizers living in the USA seem more enthralled by the celebration than natives of Mexico do. Probably because a good portion of the southwest United States used to be part of Mexico. California, Nevada, parts of Arizona, New Mexico,Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Texas were all Mexican territories before we took it from them by force.

Why is Cinco de Mayo such a big deal?

Because a group of proud people stood up against a hostile aggressor, and won. They were Heroes, if just for one day. It didn’t change the course of history. They didn’t gain back any of the land they lost. But, they found a deep pride and inner fortitude that could be celebrated for decades and centuries to come. Since we are on their land, it is right that we should celebrate alongside them. Everybody loves an underdog.

So, just like everybody wants to be Irish on St Patrick’s day. All the white folk want to pretend their Mexican on May 5th. The other 364 days of the year, it’s all about building walls and putting kids in cages. Can’t we just accept them as our neighbors? Are we really Homer Simpson taking Ned Flander’s stuff and then treating him like crap?

A little cinco de Mayo/Cinco de Quatro humor and camaraderie goes a long way:

So, here is a salute to our humble friends from South of the border.

1. Cantaloupe Jalapeno Margarita With Mint and Cinnamon Tuille Garnish
2. Cinco de Quatro CornBall with Burnt Tomato Salsa
3. Mandarin Orange Scallop Ceviche With Crispy Tortilla Threads and Avocado
4. Black Bean Tlacoyos with Corriander Lime Chicken, Chorizo, Charred Pepper Pico de Gaillo, and Arugula Cucumber Salad
5. Santa Fe Sopapillas with Vanilla Bean Honey and Chili papaya Compote

Let’s accept our neighbors and break bread with them. It’s what Ned would do. Hell, maybe even let loose with a white wine spritzer. Or, we could be like Lucille Bluth and Lucille Austero and find common ground with Buster. Then again, we can embrace the Jedi way, shun the dark side and say, “May the 4th be with you!”