“It’s Like Your Fourth of July…”

Mine? Don’t get me started on what my Fourth of July is like.

Anyhoo, I walk into work today, into the facility located in the Southwestern end of the Coachella Valley, and am greeted with a smile by the Latina security guard. “You know, today is Cinco de Mayo.” “Yeah, I knew that,” I half-replied while signing in. “It’s Mexican Independence Day!” she added.
Huh? “It represents a minor victory over the French Army, doesn’t it?” “Oh no,” she added, “Cinco de Mayo is like your Fourth of July. See? We celebrate Mexican Independence today.”

“That’s fine, but should you?” I thought to myself. After all, I didn’t want to argue the point. She was carrying mace and what did I have? A travel mug half full of lukewarm coffee? Game, set, match. It clearly must be Mexican Independence Day then. Besides, she had sketched little piñatas on the bottom of the sign in sheet. That sealed the deal for me.

Then, another staff member walks in wearing a flouncy fuscia peasant dress that wouldn’t be out of place on Olivera Street. “You know,” (oh no, here it comes) “we wear these dresses because it’s Cinco de Mayo. It’s a big celebration for us, it’s Mexican Independence Day!”

Good grief.

I let her know that the jeans and t-shirt I’m wearing are part of the traditional French costume my people wear on this day. You know, on that battle in Mexico, the one that happened 144 years ago today?

Your pal,

bob