Learning Spanish Abroad

5th of May celebrations in Mexico

If you were following a Spanish language course in a school in Mexico at the moment, today would be a “fiesta”, a public holiday. The “cinco de mayo” is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, in commemoration of what is considered to be one of their most important military victories over the French invaders.

It is celebrated with parades, bullfights, re-enactments of the 1862 battle, mariachi music, folk dancing, cultural festivals, dancing and feasts, and plenty of drinking. In the evening, there are spectacular firework displays and piñatas for the children.

There is also obviously an institutional side - members of the armed forces throughout Mexico publicly swear their allegiance to the country, and it’s a tradition for the president of Mexico to deliver a speech from the National Palace in Mexico City. Everything ends with the traditional shouts of Viva Mexico! Viva Juárez!

You’ll find that this kind of fiesta is what makes Mexico very much a Latin, and more specifically a Hispanic country, and you’ll find it a wonderful experience - and a great break from your usual Spanish language classes!