This Has Gone Too Far: Swine Flu Hysteria Screwing Up Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Health officials are telling everybody not to panic, but it's too late to save one of the most cherished drinking holidays on the calendar. Yes, swine flu hysteria has claimed Cinco de Mayo, causing the cancellation of countless booze-soaked celebrations across Mexico and the U.S. In New York, for example, the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park was canceled out of "prudence," while plans for similar gatherings in Atlanta, Milwaukee, Dallas, and Chicago were also shelved. Even the aptly-named town of Corona, California called off its Cinco celebration after a local high school student was suspected of having swine flu. And as far as actual Mexico is concerned, nearly all public gatherings have been canceled for the time being, but I'm sure the bars will still be humming. Just remember to pull your face mask down before you take a sip of your drink.

A subdued celebration might allow people to more fully absorb the significance of the holiday. Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is September 16, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican Army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Mexican diaspora brought it to major cities throughout North America, and now it serves as a de facto Mexican cultural day around the world. Of course, it's also a great excuse to indulge in some of Mexico's famous exports, from fine, barrel-aged tequilas to Corona and Dos Equis beer. Works for me.

The way I see it, there's no safer place to be right now than at a Cinco de Mayo celebration, provided you drink plenty of tequila. After all, alcohol kills germs.

[Photo: Postage Stamp Art]

Related Stories:
· New York Says Adios to Some Cinco de Mayo Events [Daily News]
· Swine Flu Dampens Some Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the U.S. [Finding Dulcinea]
· Swine Flu Coverage [Jaunted]

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