We have two holidays coming up this week: May Day and Cinco de Mayo. Now, ironically, Cinco de Mayo is not a big deal in much of Mexico. Like St. Patrick’s Day, which is a religious day in Ireland, not a party day, or at least it was… Most of Mexico doesn’t really celebrate Cinco de Mayo. However, like St. Patrick’s Day, in the US it has become a big celebration among the Hispanic population…and let’s be honest, most of us non-Hispanics as well. However, with the anti-Hispanic policies of the current administration, this year I’m all in about celebrating the contributions of Lantinx culture in this country. I’m all in for a joyful and colorful and flavorful Cinco de Mayo observation.

And then there is May Day. That, again ironically, is a British/Celtic tradition, more in alignment with our prodominant white culture than Cinco de Mayo, but is not usually celebrated. However, it is a recognition of life and joy and exuberance, which is what Cinco de Mayo usually means to the white population in the US. It is funny what we celebrate in the US and what we don’t.

So this week’s Motivational Music Monday is a song by Marc Anthony called “Vivir mi Vida,” which means “To Live My Life.” It’s an upbeat song about laughing and loving and dancing and forgetting about the pain that sometimes comes with life. And it is very much the same philosophy as the traditional May Day celebrations were. To me, it’s a reminder that we aren’t as different as we sometimes think we are.

I hope you enjoy this song and spend the week in joy! Watch it on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/-t7vrTOXzmw?si=ZPMP8xsbO2SqkOhH