When there is a luring scent of carne asada and the sound of a mariachi in the air, it can only be one day of the year: Cinco de Mayo. Or, if you live in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood, it could be a typical Saturday. Regardless, every year people throughout the United States celebrate Mexican culture, heritage and pride on the fifth of May with food, music and beer.

But mostly beer.

In elementary school, Cinco de Mayo was a day of arts and crafts, Mexican cuisine and even pinatas. In middle and high school, the celebrations were less vivacious and were primarily evident in the cafeteria decorations. But in college, Cinco de Mayo is a day for dining halls to stuff students with Mexican food, for the students to celebrate with beer and for the local liquor stores to swim in the profits.

The sororities and fraternities on campus throw events throughout the week, most ending with the infamous “walk of shame” during the early hours of May 6.

Cinco de Drinko, however, is not only a day for college students to celebrate. Restaurants, bars and liquor stores know that people will use practically anything for an excuse to drink-Kentucky Derby, anyone-and they spit out advertisements of all forms to open up wallets.

Sadly, a holiday meant to celebrate a heritage has evolved into a commercialized machine founded on money and focused on alcohol. Although one may argue that most holidays have been commercialized, Cinco de Mayo stands out more than others. The consequence has been the devaluing of the meaning behind the celebrations.

The original meaning of Cinco de Mayo is commonly unknown among Americans. Although it has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage, it began as a Mexican military triumph over the French. On May 5, 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin led the Mexican army of 4,000 poorly equipped men against a French force much larger and better-trained.

In addition to the contrast in number and weapons, the French army had remained undefeated for over fifty years. Despite what seemed impossible, the Mexican army defeated the French in the state of Puebla, preventing the latter’s invasion of Mexico City. Cinco de Mayo was created to celebrate this incredible victory. But although the holiday helped unify the country, Cinco de Mayo is only celebrated regionally in Mexico and particularly in Puebla.

While the original meaning of the holiday is often overlooked here, it is great to see the United States transformed it into a more relevant holiday for Americans in which to partake. The green, white and red balloons and Mexican cuisine in the dining halls was festive and delicious, respectively.

It was comical to see Chinese food served for lunch because Mexicans are, admittedly, good at making it. And it was great to see chicken taquitos, arroz and jamaica being shared and enjoyed at the events celebrating Mexican culture around campus.

Most of all, it was reassuring to see that Cinco de Mayo has not entirely evolved into Cinco de Drinko.

Laura Moreno is a Weinberg freshman and DAILY blogger. She can be reached at [email protected].