Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5th each year to commemorate Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While the day is most widely celebrated in Mexico, it has become increasingly popular in the United States as a way to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. However, there are some clothing items and styles that are considered inappropriate or offensive to wear during Cinco de Mayo festivities. Being thoughtful about your outfit can help ensure you are respectfully joining in the revelry.
Sombreros
One of the most obvious clothing items to avoid is the sombrero, the iconic wide-brimmed Mexican hat. While sombreros are a well-known symbol of Mexico, wearing one even in jest can come across as an outdated stereotype or cultural appropriation. Traditional sombreros were worn by Mexican charros and mariachis, and had deep cultural meaning and specific contextual uses. Casually wearing one as a costume or prop can be seen as disrespectful to that cultural significance. If you want to join the fiesta spirit in an authentic way, consider alternatives like crowns of fresh flowers instead.
Ponchos and Serapes
Similar to sombreros, wearing a poncho or serape (a long shawl) can also be seen as perpetuating stereotypes about Mexican people and culture. While textiles like ponchos and serapes are common in certain regions of Mexico and have historical roots, wearing one when you are not Mexican is likely to be interpreted as an inappropriate mockery rather than celebration. If you want to represent the colorful spirit of Cinco de Mayo clothing, look for alternatives like shirts or dresses in festive prints and avoid this common trope.
Fake Mustaches
Adding a fake mustache as part of a Cinco de Mayo costume is another clothing choice that reinforces reductive stereotypes about Mexican people and culture. This mocking gesture harkens back to offensive tropes that typecast Mexican men in particular ways. Avoid fake mustaches, and also reconsider any other costume props or accessories that make light of cultural traditions rather than honoring them. Focus on genuine cultural connection rather than caricatures.
Mexico Sports Jerseys
While wearing a soccer or sports jersey from Mexico might seem like a good way to show your support, this can come across as patronizing rather than a sincere gesture. Unless you have your own personal connection to the team, wearing such a jersey can seem like you are trying to borrow the culture rather than authentically participate in it. Wear your normal casual clothes or any ordinary sports jersey instead.
Costume Shop Accessories
In general, any costume shop type accessories like fake flowers, vibrant ribbons, patterned leggings etc. can seem like you are turning Cinco de Mayo into a theme party rather than thoughtfully celebrating. Avoid accessorizing with stereotypical Mexican costume props and seek more meaningful ways to show interest in the culture. Focus on learning about the historical significance of the day instead.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo can be a fun and spirited celebration to participate in, but should be approached thoughtfully and avoided stereotypes or caricatures. Do your research on the origins and customs involved, and focus on authentic cultural exchange. Skip silly costume props and show your respect by learning more about Mexico’s rich history and heritage instead. If in doubt, keep your clothing simple and avoid anything that could be interpreted as mocking or belittling this important day. With some care and knowledge, you can find many wonderful ways to join in honoring Cinco de Mayo.
Additional Background
Cinco de Mayo has its origins in the Battle of Puebla in Mexico on May 5, 1862. In 1861, Mexico had suspended repayment of debts owed to European governments, including Spain, France and Britain. In response, the three nations sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces. France, however, used the conflict as a pretext to attempt to conquer Mexico and expand its empire under the rule of Napoleon III.
French forces marched for Mexico City, but first encountered resistance near Puebla from a poorly equipped Mexican army numbering just 4,500 men. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican forces were able to turn back the well-armed French army numbering over 6,000 men, which was considered a major victory. The French went on to eventually defeat the Mexican army and briefly install a monarchy under Maximilian I, but the triumph at the Battle of Puebla on May 5 came to represent Mexican resilience and solidarity.
In the late 1800s, Mexican Americans in California began celebrating Cinco de Mayo to commemorate the victory at Puebla and express pride in their cultural heritage. In the 1960s and 70s, the holiday grew in popularity in the US within the Chicano Movement as a celebration of community empowerment. Commercialization of the day led it to gain wider recognition across the US. However, many marketers exploited stereotypes of Mexican culture rather than celebrating its depth and meaning.
As Cinco de Mayo continues to gain popularity in the US, there are certain pitfalls to avoid that rely on reductive stereotypes. Being thoughtful about clothing choices that could be seen as disrespectful caricatures is one way to sensitively celebrate the holiday and Mexican cultural heritage. Learning more about the origins and customs for the occasion will lead to more mindful and meaningful participation.
Key Facts and Figures
| Date of Battle of Puebla | May 5, 1862 |
| Mexican forces at Battle of Puebla | 4,500 |
| French forces at Battle of Puebla | 6,500 |
| Year Cinco de Mayo first celebrated in California | 1863 |
| Decade Cinco de Mayo gained wider popularity in US | 1960s |
Key Considerations for Attire
| Sombreros | Avoid – seen as perpetuating stereotypes |
| Ponchos/Serapes | Avoid – could be interpreted as mocking |
| Fake Mustaches | Avoid – reinforces offensive tropes |
| Mexico Sports Jerseys | Avoid – could seem patronizing |
| Costume Shop Accessories | Avoid – treats culture like a theme |
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo can be celebrated respectfully by avoiding stereotypical costumes and props and instead focusing on cultural education. Prioritize learning about the historical origins and modern customs rather than treating Mexican culture as a caricature. With some simple considerations about attire and mindset, anyone can thoughtfully join in honoring this important celebration.