Balanced News: Cinco de Mayo Celebrates Mexican Culture, Not Independence

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates Mexican American culture and not Mexican Independence Day. The day is typically celebrated with parades, street food, block parties, and folkloric ballet. This year, beer manufacturers and other marketers have capitalized on the festive nature of Cinco de Mayo, and some revelers have embraced offensive stereotypes, such as fake, droopy mustaches and gigantic straw sombreros. Some critics of the holiday say that the day has become an excuse to drink tequila shots and gorge on tortilla chips. In response, some businesses are gearing up for the holiday with special deals on Mexican food and drinks.