Cinco De Mayo in Cozumel

[Kevin Alexander]

Cinco De Mayo in Cozumel

Here at By The Shore we are excited that we’ll be diving in Cozumel on Cinco De Mayo. Now, it’s important to clear up some confusion about this important holiday. In America we have kind of a bad habit turning holidays into giant parties. I’ve been in Ireland on St. Patricks day and they do not have giant parades with green beer, green rivers, and giant green floats of green Guinness. And I’ve been in Italy on Shove Tuesday and it was solemn and serious and nothing at all like Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

To be fair, we do that to our own holidays as well, creating portmanteau devices like “Presidents Day” and kicking off Christmas before Thanksgiving.

Most Americans think that Cinco De Mayo is sort of the “Mexican Independence day.” It’s not; actually, it is the celebration of the defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1861. (For the scuba diving history geeks out there, Mexican Independence is celebrated on 15 September.)
But what can you expect to see in Cozumel on Cinco De Mayo if you get one of our coveted dive trip slots?

Ok, you will certainly not see President Bush inspecting the dancers. You’ll see some world class underwater scenery, enjoy a lovely dinner, and for those with the energy, we’ll go out and eat some Mexican food and enjoy a very different experience than you’d get in the USA. There are small, family friendly parades with dancing and floats. Less Mardi Gras in New Orleans and more like the 4th of July Parade in a small town.

And, of course, as we are safe divers, we’ll wrap it up pretty early and get good night’s sleep so that we can go blow some bubbles at the friendly fish in Cozumel! We’ve been going to Cozumel for years and we always have a great time. We hope you can join us for Cinco De Mayo in Cozumel this year.

Come dive with us in Cozumel Mexico May 4th thru the 11th. Call us at 919-247-0356 for details

[Pat Howlett]

Sounds like a great time and appreciate the history. How often do you go to Mexico?

[Kevin Alexander]

I go to Cozumel at least once a year and to Cabo San Lucas once as well short answer 2 times a year