speed of dark

For most Americans, Cinco de Mayo is either just May 5th, or an excuse to drink margaritas and eat tacos. Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican "Fourth of July", but celebrates the defeat of the French army by a much smaller Mexican army in 1862. The Mexicans had already declared independence from Spain more than 50 years prior, and the actual Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

So today, while you're drinking a Dos Equis or Corona with lime while watching the Mayweather v. De La Hoya fight or just enjoying a lovely Saturday, remember: it's always a good day when someone defeats the French. Just kidding.

beck: qué onda guero [buy it]
devotchka: el zopilote mojado [buy it]

And for your reading pleasure, check out the hilarious, tongue-in-cheek column in the OC Weekly (yes, that OC): Ask A Mexican.