I was going to make this exact point. Cinco de Mayo and St. Patricks - stripped of all their original meaning, now they are an excuse toget shitfaced at a pre-themed party. If not for the fact that it follows so closely on the heels of Xmas/Jan 1, I'm pretty sure generic white folks would enthusiastically celebrate Chinese New Year, which has the extra benefit of firecrackers.

Also, I love St. Patricks, if for absolutely no other reason than good sales on corned beef and various irish beers.