Around the country, Cinco de Mayo has become a bit of a phenomenon, a celebration of Mexican independence that now stretches far beyond the borders of our southern neighbor. It’s the perfect time to relish Mexico’s rich culture and to remind ourselves of the many great contributions Chicanos have made to this country. Don’t want to break the bank or simply won’t have enough time to celebrate with friends? Here’s a few ways you can make the most of Cinco de Mayo without having to leave the comfort of your home.
1. Read a book
Many outstanding authors with Chicano roots have written some great books you’ll want to dive into. Whether it’s spooky and speculative like the work of Silvia Garcia-Moreno or the down-to-earth literary fiction tomes of Luis Alberto Urrea, you name the genre and there is a great Chicano writer to enjoy. Not only are books like “Mexican Gothic” and “The House of Broken Angels” an absolute blast to read but they also touch on important social issues. At The Clarion some of our team will be reading “Big Chicas Don’t Cry” by Annette Chavez Macias. What about you?
2. Watch a movie
There are some real standout flicks worthy of your time all year-round. But Cinco de Mayo sets the perfect tone for a movie like the Academy Award-winning “Roma,” “Frida,” “Amores Perros” or “Like Water for Chocolate”.
3. Start streaming!
TVs streaming revolution has led to a flood of high-quality dramas from around Latin America including Mexico. “Sr. Avila” and “La Casa de Las Flores” are two of the most bingeable shows out there.
4. Eat!
We love eating Mexican food but how many of us have had the gumption to try making it ourselves? It’s easy to find recipes for enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, or burritos.
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Let us know how you celebrated.
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor
(Featured Image from Netflix)