CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Cinco de Mayo is recognized across the United States as a day to celebrate Mexican culture. At Taqueria Mexico Lindo on Everhart Road, the Mexican culture is alive and well.
Serving up traditional dishes, 18-year-old Silvia Ramirez is a waitress there, and she said she likes sharing her culture.
"They're like, 'Wow, this is good,'" she said. "I've never had this before."
The food, the drinks, and even the music are a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or May 5.
"We normally all get together and have a carne asada at the house," Ramirez said. "You know all the cousins and tíos."
For as long as she can remember, this is how she has spent Cinco de Mayo — and she's not alone. "Really, it's about getting together with family," said Gappers Hair Salon owner Gaspar Garcia.
"It's like Thanksgiving. Is it really about the celebration, or is it about getting together with family?"
So, what is the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo?
"It commemorates the victory of Mexico's victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla in 1862," said Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Hispanic Heritage month coordinator Andrea Montalvo-Hamid.
Montalvo said that story of victory has been somewhat forgotten. Most people confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day, which happens each year on Sept. 16.
"For Cinco de Mayo, in the 1980s, a lot of alcohol like beer, wine, and tequila released a lot of advertisements," she said.
"They were using the day to sell their product, and it took off from there. So, it's ingrained in our culture."
Montalvo encourages people to enjoy the day and learn more about the Mexican culture, including the history of the Battle of Puebla.
Click here, for the history of Cinco de Mayo.
