Have you ever noticed that so many holidays that are celebrated in America wind up heavily embracing either booze or shopping? St. Patrick's Day was about more than tying one on. And President's Day, now isn't that about White Sales? I like to swill and bask in fine linens as much as the next one, but really, isn't there more to these days to think about? Today is Cinco de Mayo, which has become another excuse for inebriation, but has a quite serious reason for being. Cinco de Mayo acknowledges the victory of 4,000 Mexican soldiers against 8,000 French forces in Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City in 1862. It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which actually took place on September 16th, 1810. As a regional holiday, it is not observed everywhere in Mexico, but in America and in many countries around the world, it is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.
It is in that spirit that we bring you a john Arthur martinez track, "Cajita de Milagros," filmed at The Mansion On O. Milagros are miracles, and they are an awesome and powerful thing. Boxes of Miracles, now we could be talking about a charity near and dear to jAm's heart, Casita Linda. john Arthur and I were talking about this at lunch yesterday. It is a miracle indeed, as their mission is to create a dignified, safe and empowering environment that will provide a foundation of hope for families living in extreme poverty. Independence. Something to strive for, besides a buzz, this Cinco de Mayo.
- Jessie Scott