Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Cinco de Mayo ranks right up there with St. Patrick's Day as one of those "holidays" that American Cultural Imperialists have usurped for their own purposes. So this year, in an effort to invite some dignity to our observance of Cinco de Mayo, I decided to read up on its history. Conclusions: no one really cares that the Mexicans defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, least of all the country of Mexico. I'm not being harsh here, but in the scheme of history it just isn't important enough to warrant a spot on my official List of Important Dates to Remember. If it's any consolation, Mexico, there aren't very many items on that particular list. I'm more of a concepts and ideas person, rather than a names and dates person...which accounts for a few Unsatisfactory Performances in Trivial Pursuit.

Fortunately, the forgettable history of Cinco de Mayo in no way weakened my enthusiasm to celebrate. Our party consisted of four families, a burrito bar, fried ice cream, and the requisite pinata. I'm a fool for pinatas. And I was all set to insist the adults take a turn getting blindfolded and flailing around with the foam bat, but I underestimated the brute strength of six year old kids. The pinata didn't stand a chance. In minutes it was taken down and disembowled, with candy, plastic necklaces and Billy Bob teeth strewn around our basement. I suspect the ghosts of Mexican War heroes would be proud!