Cinco de Mayo is celebration of diversity, unity

Finally, we can thank the French for something. Without them we would not be celebrating Cinco de Mayo. When the Mexican government did not pay their debt to them, the French came to town like mobsters who were going to break a few knees if Mexico didn't pay up.

Mexico, in its fight for independence from Spain, had to borrow money from France and England; later on, Spain, too, provided help for the new country. But because of internal turmoil, Mexico was unable to pay its debts. In 1862, the three countries sent fleets to collect their money and get some land as partial payment.

Mexico tried to work out a deal to make payments, and while the other nations backed off, the French decided to march on to the Mexican capital. That's when President Benito Juarez said "no mas," which resulted in the French losing the battle at Puebla on the fifth of May and eventually high-tailing it home.

Thanks to the French, we now celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Without them, we would not be partying down like we do in America — salsa, fiestas, guacamole, chile verde, mariachis.

This Mexican victory over the French is recognized in Mexico, but America has turned it in to a nationwide spring break. Growing up in Utah, my parents told us stories, with great pride, of the Mexican victory over the French army in the city of Puebla; and about how Juarez stood up against the French.

I identified with Juarez, who was the first mestizo Indian to become president. He was the Abraham Lincoln of Mexico who fought for the poor Indians. The stories about the battle at Puebla made us proud of our heritage; but, in the "old days," the small Mexican community in Salt Lake did not publicly celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Our big independence day was the 16th of September, which is when Mexico began its struggle for independence from Spain in 1810.

It's fascinating to watch how, throughout America, Cinco de Mayo has become such a big celebration. I think it's great because Mexicans and Americans are always looking for an excuse to forget their troubles and have fun. After all, celebrations are a form of child's play and a chance to make-believe. Given the state of the uncertain world we live in today, I suspect Cinco de Mayo will be even greater and more welcome than ever before.