Unique Cinco de Mayo Traditions

Cinco de Mayo, the celebration of the Mexican troops’ victory against the twice as large French army, is a day remembered as victory in the face of oppression and marks the very last time in history that an area in North America would be invaded by a European country. It’s a day known for color and exuberant joy. Food and drinks and dancing are its staple. However, a holiday wouldn’t be a holiday if there weren’t some unique ways of celebrating it. Here are just a few from around the world:

 

 

Battle Reenactment

It’s true! One of the staples of Cinco de Mayo, besides the parade, is the actual reenactment of the battle that took place that day. Male participants don the uniforms of the Mexican and French army, armed with old rifles and machetes. Those portraying French soldiers will have a bottle of wine sticking out from their knapsacks. The women dress in flowing skirts and flowering hats, taking on the role of the soldaderos—the women who traveled among and often fought alongside the Mexican army. Sometimes food is used as ammunition, so don’t expect to come home with a clean costume!

 

Air Guitar Competition

Over in the Cayman Islands, a different sort of celebration takes place on this day every year. Largely unrelated to the traditions of Cinco de Mayo, an air guitar competition takes place across the islands each and every year. Participants put aside their shame and bust out the best air guitar moves they can muster. Those days of jamming out in the basement to your favorite bridge can finally come in handy! It is usually a day of laughter and showmanship, and as silly as it sounds to some, remains extremely popular.

 

Sky Diving

If you’re willing to get nauseous on something a little more extreme than tequila, Canada is the place for you. Over in Vancouver, the Abbotsford Skydiving Center hosts a Skydive Boogie every year on this day. It’s a veritable skydiving carnival with live music, food, and an air show. Tandem skydiving lessons are also given on that day!

 

Cook-Off

If you’re in the Texas area you may already be heading off to the Viva! Cinco de Mayo celebration in San Marcos. The festival is a huge celebration on its own, but its biggest staple is the Menudo cook off. Menudo (not to be confused with the tiny boy band that birthed Ricky Martin) is a traditional Mexican dish that is part soup, part stew, and all savory. Touted for its healing properties, the soup is known for its chilies and vast assortment of spices to go along with the meat, which is often a tender beef. The festival, always celebrated on the weekend of Cinco de Mayo, holds its competition early in the morning on Saturday and well into the afternoon, where the award for Best Menudo in Texas is given out.

 

These are just a handful of celebrations that take place on Cinco de Mayo! Parades, traditional and modern dancing, and feasting take place in many locations across the world. Get out, have fun, and celebrate in your own way!