Simone Virzi, Staff Writer:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when everyone is cheerful and there is plenty of beer. I’m not talking about St. Paddy’s Day; I’m talking about Cinco de Mayo. Granted, I’m half Polish and half Italian, but that does not stop me from celebrating this fun holiday. In fact, more people should whip out sombreros and maracas and start livin la vida loca, at least for one day.
When March 17 rolls around, it seems as though the entire country is on crack with shamrocks and green everywhere, from clothing to hair; everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day (as a side note, if it wasn’t for St. Patrick, whose parents were Roman, the Irish would not have anything to celebrate). I personally think St. Paddy’s Day is overrated, especially the parade itself (it will bore you to tears). Also, most people do not look good in green. Irish food is not that appealing, and I stick to Bud Light instead of Guinness. The general population just uses St. Paddy’s Day (and the days leading up to the holiday) as an excuse to get drunk and make themselves look like idiots. Technically, I make myself look like an idiot on a regular basis, and do not need a holiday’s help. So if most people celebrate St. Paddy’s Day, there is no excuse to not have a good time celebrating on May 5. If everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day, why can’t everyone be Mexican on Cinco de Mayo?
Before partying it up on Cinco de Mayo, it never hurts to know what exactly you are celebrating. Some people think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s independence day, but that is actually on Sept. 16. On May 5, 1862, Mexico won La Batalla de Puebla, or the Battle of Puebla against France, even though Mexico was out-numbered. If you trust Wikipedia, supposedly the holiday is an American Civil War holiday, and was started in California by Latinos and Mexicans. Whoever started the holiday, God bless them; this is my favorite day of the year!
Cinco de Mayo falls on a Thursday this year, so there is no excuse not to go out and shake those maracas. I highly suggest getting in the spirit before going out. Snack on chips with salsa, fajitas, or tacos. Making a stop at Taco Bell or Taco King is also acceptable, especially on a day about Mexico. Maybe hit a piñata filled with candy or condoms, whatever floats your boat. Colorful clothes never hurt either, and it is an easy way to show your playfulness. Enjoy margaritas and tequila shots with your amigos. You do not have to go all out to get in the Cinco de Mayo mood, but it does not hurt either.
Maybe you are not persuaded yet. What else are you going to do on a Thursday night? “Jersey Shore” is not airing any new episodes, and doing homework after 8 p.m. on a Thursday is just wrong. Why not let loose for a night with your closest friends before you have to start worrying about finals? Blast “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett, “Shots” by LMFAO, and reggaeton to start the night off on the right note. Bring on the tequila and Coronas, and don’t forget the lime!
