To the editor:

On Monday, many Americans celebrated Cinco de Mayo, even though the majority of us have no idea what we are even celebrating. Most of us are concerned with the margaritas, the costumes and the nachos. It is ironic that we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but our country is building a wall to keep Mexicans out.

While we are out singing “La Cucaracha” and taking tequila shots and El Mez, many people who actually understand the holiday and are part of the culture are behind the scenes preparing our frozen mango margaritas with little umbrellas and fruit slices on the rim.

In an era in which immigration scares many Americans from accepting other cultures into our own (if American is even distinct enough to be its own culture), for some reason, on Cinco de Mayo, we are all more than happy to be “Mexican” for a day. So, while we’re adjusting our sombreros in line at Chipotle or in the drive-through at Taco Bell, maybe we can take a little time and try to understand the culture behind the sombrero.

Katherine Marten,
Lawrence