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Cinco de Mayo, is a regional holiday to Mexico, celebrated mostly in the state of Puebla. Even during the short period of French rule, the Mexicans celebrated Cinco de Mayo. They changed the name of the town where the French were defeated to Puebla de Zaragoza. The way of life in Mexico includes many features from the nation's long Indian past and the Spanish colonial period. But Mexico has changed rapidly during the 1900's. In many ways, life in its larger cities has become similar to that in the neighboring United States. Mexican villagers follow the older way of life more than the city people do. Even in the villages, however, government economic and educational programs are doing much to modernize the people's lives. These programs are bringing the Indian villagers into the general life of Mexico and making them think of themselves as Mexicans rather than Indians.
In Mexico it's huge bash. It is very popular with tourists who come for a party! Also in the areas of the United States that have a lot of Mexican people like in Texas and California it is celebrated with food, music, and customs of Mexican heritage. Americans also participate in activities organized for "Cinco de Mayo." In Los Angeles, the celebration takes place in the streets outside City Hall where Mexican orchestras and local bands play Mexican patriotic songs. The streets are colored in red, white and green - the colors of the Mexican flag. Young boys are proud to be seen in Mexican clothing and girls wear red and green ruffled dresses with wide skirts. Famous musicians play popular and familiar tunes on their guitars while dancers spin around and click their castanets. A temporary stage at the steps of City Hall is decorated with a picture of General Zaragoza, flanked by Mexican and American flags. Mexican dignitaries are guests of honor, pleased to hear the mayor of Los Angeles making a speech in Spanish. Later, celebrants stroll through the streets to the old section of the city. Others go to city parks where sports events, dances and picnics featuring Mexican food are taking place. Since it can be a huge party, people who aren't Mexican celebrate it too for just plain old fun. |
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