I lived in Detroit for a very long time. A lot of people don’t really know this, but Detroit has a thriving Mexican-American and Mexican immigrant community. The large neighborhood of Southwest Detroit where the community is centered is affectionately called Mexican Town.

That name might sound somewhat disrespectful to outsiders, but Mexican-Americans in Detroit celebrate both the name and the neighborhood. Cinco de Mayo explodes with joy every year, not just in Mexican Town but all over the greater Detroit area.

Michigan certainly has its problems with racism, and anti-Latino discrimination definitely sometimes features. But the celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I think, often works to counter problems by celebrating Mexican and Mexican-American culture.

For kids in school, it’s very positive, a day to celebrate Mexican and Mexican-American heritage and history. For adults going to the parade and indulging in special food and drink, it’s a demonstration of the vitality of the community.

And for recent Mexican immigrants who are a little confused by the big deal being paid to the day they don’t experience as particularly special?

Any excuse for a party is a good excuse!