" People ask me all the time, ‘What do you do for Cinco de Mayo?’ And my honest answer is always, ‘When I was growing up in Mexico, nothing. Really, nothing. It was a school day. It was totally normal.’ But when I grew up and started going to San Diego and started drinking margaritas, that’s when Cinco de Mayo celebrations started for me. "
- Marcela Valladolid

In her statement, Marcela Valladolid reflects on how Cinco de Mayo is perceived differently depending on one's cultural context and personal experience. She explains that growing up in Mexico, this day held no special significance—it was just another school day—and she did not engage in any particular celebrations. However, once she moved to San Diego as an adult, she found herself participating in festive activities associated with the holiday.

Valladolid’s quote delves into how cultural perceptions can vary widely based on geographical location and personal history. Her comment highlights the discrepancy between how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico versus how it is observed in certain parts of the United States where Mexican culture has a significant influence. This observation underscores the importance of understanding that holidays and traditions are often reinterpreted and adapted when they cross cultural boundaries, sometimes losing their original context or gaining new layers of meaning. By sharing her personal journey from childhood in Mexico to adulthood in San Diego, Valladolid illustrates how cultural celebrations can evolve over time and across borders.

Marcela Valladolid is a renowned chef and television personality known for her contributions to culinary arts with a focus on Mexican cuisine. She has gained recognition through various cooking shows and publications where she shares recipes and stories about food and culture. Her insights, like the one mentioned, provide not only culinary knowledge but also personal anecdotes that shed light on cultural nuances and the diverse ways in which traditions are celebrated around the world.