Cinco de Mayo

In Los Angeles, but not in Mexico, "Cinco de Mayo" (the 5th of May) is celebrated.  It is an American version of the Mexican Independence, sort of like an American version of Mexican food.   But basically it's more of an excuse to drink Margaritas, eat tamales and party away.

My grandparents, Francisco and Regina, came over around 1917 to save the life of their 4th child.  The other three children had died at a young age.  My Uncle Carly  thrived and grew.  They  moved down to Los Angeles and had five daughters, Annie, Helen (the nun), Carmen (my mom,) Theresa and Josephine.  We were never taught Spanish or to cook Mexican food.   We are sort of Hispanic lite.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I recommend a great children's book on Mexico: Esperenza's Rising by Pam Munzo Ryan.  A wonderful story of a girl going from a rich rancher's daughter in Mexico to a poor farmer worker in California.