Just a Thought Column continues in La Prensa of San Antonio, 5-1
By Steve Walker
With Fiesta 2016 now in the history
books after a successful 10 day run that finished last Sunday, we can now look
to our next Hispanic cultural celebration of Cinco de Mayo just four days from
now. Just when you thought the party was over, we gear up for more celebrating.
When you live in San
Antonio there is the natural expectation we will continue to celebrate our
rich Hispanic culture all the time. We are famous for our celebrations with
mariachis, parades, Mexican cuisine all the time, and any time. Viva San
Antonio!
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 here in Bexar County, the home of the Alamo
and the Missions.
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 whatsoever. Upon arriving home
in the Alamo City, 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 the 7th largest
city in the United States, 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 19th 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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