Manhattan Beach Single Neighbors Showcase The Celebration And Provide The Education
When I first moved to Los Angeles – from the South, I must point out – there was a lot I had to learn about Southern California culture.
One of those involved Cinco de Mayo.
I was in Manhattan Beach outside of Los Angeles when around the end of April the single neighbors were talking excitedly about some party event which I had never heard of, Cinco de Mayo.
What is it, I wondered? And when is it?
About the only answer I got about the former was it’s a day to drink tequila and margaritas and wear a sombrero. That didn’t seem much different than a lot of days in Manhattan Beach but it was obvious by the way they talked about it, this was something not to be missed.
I then quizzed the older, wiser person in the group, my roommate whom they called “Big Howard.” When I asked him what the party was, all he would say is, “it’s Cinco de Mayo!”
When I asked him when it took place, all he would say is “Cinco de Mayo!”
For me, it was like that old Abbott and Costello “Who’s On First?” Whenever I would ask him the date, the response was always “it’s on Cinco de Mayo!”
Now let me say, my grasp of the Spanish language was hardly one of fluency. I simply didn’t realize that Cinco de Mayo meant the 5th of May.
But when the 5th of May rolled around, there was a good reason for the neighbors and Big Howard being so selectively secret about it to me. They wanted me to experience it, to see for myself so I would better understand it. And yes, it involves lots of tequila, margaritas (and cervezas) and sombreros, as well as a lot more of the Mexican spirit of fun.
Now, if course, I’m always excited for the 5th of May.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Leave a Reply