Old Trunks admits she never heard of this holiday until working in the nursing home. A magazine, written for activities in care centers had information on it each year. With the back issues, one could learn a little about the celebration, the food, fun, and frivolity.
Annie knew the songs and sang along with the guitarist. No matter what the nationality, the residents swung the bat at the pinata. And no one turned down the idea of eating dip off chips and of course, Mexican Wedding Cookies.
When I first saw Mexican Wedding Cookies, I remembered these little balls of baked goods rolled in powdered sugar called something else in the north country. Did not Aunt Lillian make these using the same ingredients but rolling them out to look like fingers?
Although Cinco de Mayo festivities are celebrated throughout the United States in early May, the holiday itself—not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day on September 16th—is not a recognized American holiday. Cinco de Mayo celebrates ideals that are intrinsically important to both Mexicans and Americans, as both countries have courageously fought for their independence and triumphed. This particular battle in Puebla, so valiantly fought by ordinary citizens and Mexican soldiers in the face of overwhelming opposition, portrays a high level of patriotism and courage.
The fifth of May is a day for Mexicans, people of Mexican decent and other party goers to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.
So this year, shake that maraca and twirl like a dancer! Want to sing, too?
From the Sierra Morena mountains,
Pretty sky, coming down, a pair of black eyes,
Pretty sky, which are contraband.
Ay, ay, ay, ay,sing and don't cry,
because singing gladdens,
pretty sky, one's heart.
"Cielito Lindo" is a popular traditional song of Mexico, written in 1882
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