Cinco de Mayo

My most memorable Cinco de Mayo was spent here...
However...
Today I'm on a plane to Fontana, CA (Fontucky) for Round #1 of the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series. Given that Pacificos and Fish tacos are probably not the best pre-race food, I can safely say that this years Cinco will not be celebrated traditionally. I am sure that there will be a big party at the Chevy's next to the hotel, but you won't find me there. I want the real thing...

It's amazing, I have spent two Cinco de Mayos in Mexico. We Americans celebrate it here (or shall I say "Market" it) way more than the Mexicans do in Mexico. It is really quite tranquillo there with the exception of the American tourist bars that make a big deal out of it. You would think that it would be a bigger deal down there. But maybe it is not because the marketing powers that train us to be consumers for any occasion does not have the same power in Mexico. That's one great thing about being there.

Sure you have your cola super powers and your beer battles, but you are not so inundated by marketing everywhere you turn from sun up to sundown. If you find yourself walking along a street in a tourist part of town you will be asked to look at time shares at a local resort.

And sitting on a tourist frequented beach at popular snorkeling spot you will be asked if you want to buy a poncho or some jewelry. Sure, it can be bothersome sometimes, but at least those are real people with real voices and questions and not some impersonal gimmick designed to irritate you so you will pay attention like here in the states. At least you can kindly decline the offer of people. Or better yet, learn some Spanish and strike up a conversation. If you are the adventuresome type you can get away from it all and just sit on a beach away from those tourist spots, and just enjoy the sun, the sand, the tranquility and a couple of beers with your tacos. I will...

Feliz Cinco de Mayo.