Taking Back Cinco: A Holiday Overhaul
It’s that time of year again - Cinco de Mayo is almost here! While everyone imbibes the “spirit” of the holiday, we also want to pause and ponder about how this originally little celebrated day became co-opted into a day synonymous with partying and cerveza. Ask any Cinco reveler what they’re celebrating and the answers are as varied as the libations guzzled. Mexico’s independence? The Defeat of the French at Puebla? Selena’s anniversary? Who knows and who cares, right? Time to party!
In case you’re wondering, Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the defeat of the French by the residents of Puebla. Although ultimately a footnote in history, this battle would lead to much larger events in a shared Mexican-American heritage. Points to you if you knew that already! But, we digress.
It seems that Cinco de Mayo started on its path to “Drinko de Mayo” with the help of Texas distributors of Corona in the ‘80s. According to VINEPAIR, San Antonio based Gambrinus Group launched a Cinco de Mayo themed ad to encourage Mexican-Americans already celebrating the holiday to choose Mexican cervezas as their drink of the day. It didn’t take long for the new tradition to cement itself and, like a frat boy on Cinco, the original intent of the holiday became more and more booze soaked as time went on.
This got us thinking… could we do the same? Could we appropriate some lesser celebrated holidays and turn them into full-on fiestas?!
We’re not the type to back down from a challenge so we thought to ourselves, let’s take back Cinco and put the party into actual American holidays instead. In the spirit of celebration, we’ve even added some fun ways to make your upcoming get-togethers muy bueno! Enjoy!
GROUNDHOG DAY
Will winter last longer? Will spring come sooner? Don’t let the stress drive you to drink… but if you do, def choose a brew!
If the groundhog sees his shadow, enjoy a winter lager. If not, welcome spring with a pale ale.
*BONUS: Wear Punxsutawney Phil buck-teeth while you celebrate and add a whistle to every “s” word you speak. Ssssswwweeet.
EASTER
Kids shouldn’t be the only ones having fun. While they get chocolate wasted, hide mini liquor bottles all around for adult hunting fun.
*BONUS: Wear bunny ears while hopping around pinching anyone not wearing pastels.
COLUMBUS DAY
In the spirit of discovery, wine down with something new like a refreshing sangria! Then take an Uber home to a house that isn’t yours.
*BONUS: Say "olé" and get your party on in full matador gear.
LABOR DAY
Finally… a salúd to the working man! On this day let’s bring back the two martini lunch of old. Extra points if you can do your timesheets at the end of the day.
*BONUS: Nothing says business casual like a sweet pair of business shorts.
PRESIDENT'S DAY
This day used to be celebrated as Washington’s birthday but now it’s a group thing. In honor of old wooden-teeth enjoy a Cherry Rob Roy.
*BONUS: Wear a powdered wig and loudly address everyone as “Martha” as you sway your drink in the air.
EARTH DAY
Nothing honors Gaia better than shots… of wheat grass juice. Jk. Salute the ol’ green and blue with a Green Plantini. It doesn’t taste like a plant, just looks like one.
*BONUS: At midnight during your Earth Day Party, sing the Captain Planet theme song while you recycle all your party décor.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
We feel like this one was just a matter of… time. Get it?! Enjoy your extra hour with a Sloe Gin Fizz.
*BONUS: Pretend you’re a time traveler from 1817, dress accordingly and freak out at modern day marvels as you sip your drank.
CIVIL WAR DAY
Too soon? We’re going for it, anyway. When you make it home from work, have a few swigs of moonshine until you muster up the bravery to confront your neighbor about the dog poop or invading branches that have been bothering you all year.
*BONUS: Dress up in blue or gray attire… depending on what side you think shoulda won the war. We won’t judge.
ELECTION DAY
Our presidential election coverage seems to typically start around the early evening and goes well past midnight so why NOT pair up that bad boy with some happy hour fun? If you go well past your usual time, you have a valid excuse.
*BONUS: Periodically yell, “NOOOO!!!” just to freak out the rest of the crowd in the bar.
BACK TO SCHOOL DAY
We’ll end the list with something that isn’t technically a holiday but should be for sure.
Finish the summer with a well-deserved adult chocolate milk. You decide on the added flavor.
*BONUS: Clap, cheer and whistle as your kids leave the house on their way to school. They’ll love it. Trust us.
