Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. of A. is all piñatas, margaritas, siestas, and panchos. But lest you forget, there’s a little more to the holiday than we’ve absorbed over the decades.
Spoiler alert: It’s not Mexico’s Independence Day (that’s Sept. 16), and it’s definitely not all about tacos.
In Mexico, it’s called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla: the day of the battle of Puebla. That’s right, it commemorates a battle: one in which the Mexican army triumphed over the French. Director Rafa Lara tries to re-create that fateful day in Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla (Cinco de Mayo: The Battle).
The full film isn’t currently showing in Austin, but Producer Paco Gallastegui is attending tonight’s Mexic-Arte Museum gala, where they’ll screen this trailer for the feature.
Or, heaven forbid, you could pick up a book and learn more. Maybe you’ll finally get the full story.
UPDATE: For one night only, you can catch the full film in Austin. There’s a free screening tonight (Tuesday, May 7) at Stateside at the Paramount, presented by the Mexic-Arte Museum; reserve a spot for yourself online or show up early. Doors open at 6:30pm.
This article appears in May 3 • 2013.