Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

"Do they throw mayo (may-yoo) into the ocean?" This was the question posed to me by one of my students today. He was referring to the Mexicans of course. Bahahaha! Sad thing is, I totally didn't even get it. We were learning about the history of Cinco de Mayo and then had a little party with pinatas and mexican food. I thought about the question for a few seconds and was clueless so I said, "Hmmm. I wouldn't think so, but I don't know for sure." And then I continued on. About 10 minutes later, a girl sitting next to him just busts up laughing and says, "I get it!" Right when she said that it finally clicked for me too. It was super hilarious especially because it came from this kid who never says anything. In fact, I don't remember him saying anything all year, except for a few questions here and there. The other kids really thought it was funny too.

Joke spoiler: In case you need some extra help, like me :) Things "sink" in the ocean (cinco) and especially mayo (mayonnaise). I LOVE IT!!

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Better late than never, right? That's what I told my kids (and I refer to my students) for their cinco de mayo fiesta we had yesterday and today. It was a three day process. Day 1 - Paper maché piñatas. Day 2 - Paint piñatas. Day 3 - Fill with candy and bust open. It was super messy but super fun. It's just so entertaining watching my students blindly swing at the piñata. Hey, but I had to do it as well. It kind of makes you feel like an idiot. Here's a few pics of some of my classes with their beyond creative piñatas. Notice the Beatles?

History of Cinco de Mayo-

Most people believe that it's Mexico's Independence Day, but I'm here to correct that myth. After the Mexican-Spanish war and a few civil wars within the country, Mexico was in debt. They owed France, England and Spain money, but they refused to pay it - they said they would pay in 2 years. Well, these other 3 countries didn't like this so they decided to invade Mexico. Except that France not only wanted their money, but also to take over. England and Spain didn't agree so they withdrew. France invaded the city of Puebla with 7000 troops while the Mexicans only had 2000 troops. Mexico defeated the French with a bold victory. Even though the French came back and eventually established their monarchy in Mexico, the Mexicans were given hope and courage by winning the battle of Puebla, which took place, oddly enough, on the 5th of May. It is now mostly a celebration that has been very americanized and commercialized.