The Battle of Puebla that took place on the 5th of May in 1862 holds little significance for us today.  This is evidenced by the hordes of people who think that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain which, in fact, took place 41 years earlier and is celebrated on September 16.  Mexican history is fascinating but complicated.  What you need to know for the purposes of this post is that what began as a regional victory celebration upon the Mexican Army’s surprising (albeit temporary) defeat of French forces in Puebla over a century ago is now a virtual symbol for Mexican pride and heritage.

Despite the unabashed commercialization of Cinco de Mayo, the day is an opportunity for all Americans to share in the love of Mexican culture and tradition.  For some of us, it is a moment in which to give ourselves over to the beauty and depth of our shared mexicanidad.  To remember—perhaps even learn—about our history, both in Mexico and in the United States.  This, more so than beer and tequila specials, is what draws people to the festivals around the country during the first week in May.

The holiday is an emblem of American diversity but also a cultural marker that buoys an increasingly diverse Mexican-American community.  We are multi-generational, newly-arrived and assimilated, of mixed heritage, biracial, sometimes bilingual, sometimes not.  Yet, we remain committed to a common culture and tethered to time-tested traditions every day of the year much like a nation that annually celebrates its independence but works daily to protect its democratic principles.

Some in powerful positions may seek to politicize the day.  Speaker Boehner’s refusal to celebrate the iconic holiday, for example, is an exercise in futility, to be sure, like outlawing the color blue on sunny days.

The thing about symbols is that they stand for something. Cinco de Mayo stands for the ability of people to overcome adversity whether on an 1862 battlefield or in an unfriendly political climate in the present.  It is this sentiment that manifests in the art and music and dance so closely associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations, examples of human expression and perseverance that have stamped our arrival and affirm our sense of belonging.  This is the power of symbolism and celebration.

So, whatever your heritage, celebrate Cinco de Mayo!  Express yourself!  Persevere! Toast to the power of art, music and dance that defines a culture.

Belt out a Lola Beltran ranchera or join a trio of mariachis for a serenade.

Witness the glory of folklorico dancers whose elaborate dresses bloom color with every beat of beautiful music.  Take a dance class or simply surrender to the rhythms of a spontaneous zapateado on your kitchen floor.

Sip a margarita.

Read a Laura Esquivel novel or a Gloria Anzaldúa poem.  Write your own poem.

Cook an authentic meal completely from scratch with your abuelita and invite your friends to dinner.

Study the Chicano civil rights movement.

Speak Spanish…or Spanglish.

Honor the countless contributions and sacrifices that Mexican-Americans have made to and for the greater good—from the lawyers who litigated landmark civil rights cases in the 1950s to the men and women who served (and serve) in the U.S. Armed Forces.  And, of course, those who continue to make a difference today.

Above all, remember the power of the people—not just those around you but also those who came before you.