By Steve Walker
With
Fiesta 2014 finishing a highly successful 17 day run that officially ends today,
we can now look to our next celebration of Cinco de Mayo just eight days from
now. Just when you thought the party was over we are gearing up for more
celebrating.
When
you live in San Antonio
there is the natural expectation we will continue to celebrate the rich
Hispanic culture all around us all the time. The question is Why Not?” The good
news is you don’t have to be Hispanic to appreciate the Hispanic culture. In
fact those of us who are not of Hispanic ancestry get the privilege to
experience it by assimilation just living in San Antonio .
Where
else but San Antonio
can you get the best Mexican food like puffy tacos, tortillas, tortas and
enchiladas? I remember when I spent a
year in Germany
in the Army in 1971-72 I had no access to Mexican food at all. Upon arriving home
in San Antonio ,
for weeks I frequented so many Mexican restaurants I gained weight and was
forced to go to the gym to work off all the tacos!!
For
many new to San Antonio
and particularly not of Hispanic origin, Cinco de Mayo is an exciting
experience. In Texas
and other states we commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the
first years of the American Civil War; celebration of Mexican heritage and
pride; commemorate the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle
of Puebla, May 5th, 1862.
For
you history buffs from somewhere else who may not been privileged to study
Texas History it became a cause of celebration. Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the French occupation of Mexico which took
place in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, Mexican Civil
War of 1858 and the 1860 reform Wars.
These wars left the Mexican Treasury nearly bankrupt. On
July 17th, 1861, Mexican President Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which
all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years.
Not happy about that France ,
Britain and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain
negotiated with Mexico
and withdrew. Unfortunately France
at the time ruled by Napoleon III decided to use the opportunity to establish a
Latin empire in Mexico
that would favor French interests, the Second Mexican Empire.
Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz , landing a
large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into temporary
retreat.
However the Mexican
Army of 4,500 took on the French Army of 8,000 strong and as we say in Texas , “put the whoop”
on them, crushing the then considered "premier army in the world." The rest is
history.
Don’t forget the
17th Annual Cinco de Mayo events that will happen in the downtown Market Square with
sounds and smells of authentic Mexican food, Mariachi music on the plaza and
Forklorico dancers with their colorful dresses.
Market Square is
a family friendly venue with over 100 shops of Mexican art and crafts, as well
as two of San Antonio’s most popular restaurants Mi Tierra and La Margarita.
As
always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”
Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and former Justice of the Peace and Journalist.
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