The commercialization of Cinco de Mayo is notable in what is known as “Super Bonza Bottler Day.” Bonza Bottler Days occur whenever a day and month coincide, such as July 7, August 8, and September 9. Super Bonza Bottler Days fall on popularly recognized holidays or when a day, month, and year coincide (e.g., January 1, 2001, February 2, 2002 and Cinco de Mayo last year: May 5, 2005). Thanks to the numerous holidays and observances throughout the world and proliferation of special-interest observances (such as Doing Business in Your Bathrobe Day sponsored by Webmomz to recognize "the hard work and dedication it takes to be an entrepreneur" and to promote the Webmomz organization), Super Bonza Bottler Days occur almost monthly. Examples of Super Bonza Bottler Days that fall on American holidays include January 1 (New Year's Day), February 2 (Groundhog Day), April 4 (International Day for Landmine Awareness and Assistance), May 5 (Cinco de Mayo), June 6 (Teachers Day and National Yo-Yo Day) and November 11 (Veteran's Day).
Bonza Bottler Days were created by some brilliant promoter to provide monthly excuses to celebrate and to generate marketing campaigns. Although it is unclear who originated the occasion, its terms are readily traceable. "Bonza" and its synonym "bonzer," are popularly used in Australia, and likely derive from the word "bonanza." Bonza and bonzer are defined in the Urban [slang] Dictionary as "brilliant," "well executed," "excellent," "great." In The Free [online] Dictionary , it is defined as "remarkable or wonderful, extraordinary." The word "bottler" likely derives from the Australian term "bottle shop" or its diminutive forms "bottlo" (pronounced bottle oh) or "bottl-o." Defined as an Australian word, Wikipedia says it is "a shop selling alcoholic drinks (for external consumption)," i.e., for consumption off the premises. For marketers, event promoters, and purveyors of food and drink, Bonza Bottler Days are, well, bonzer!
Bonza Bottler Days can be used for good as well as greed. Marketers and non-marketers alike could use these monthly opportunities to pamper significant others, make and assess progress toward fulfilling resolutions, and do good deeds.
Article comments
1 - Bliffle
"As Cinco History further explains, American forces supported the Mexican military to win the:
great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War."
Yet another reason to wish that Lincoln had let the Confederacy go it's own way. The CSA would have been a convenient buffer between the USA and a moribund Mexico. Much as USA now buffers Canada from most of such vicissitudes.
2 - Victor Plenty
Yeah, just think of the profit potential if modern corporations could outsource to the Confederate States and have access to genuine, legally recognized slave labor!
Brilliant observation, Bliffle!
3 - Bliffle
As luck would have it, I drove through our East Side today and was thrilled to see so many cars driving with large flags displayed everywhere. I can't tell you how my heart leaped when i saw the Good Ol' red white and green...wait a minute....there's no green in Old Glory! There's blue, and a field of stars and little red and white stripes! What is this? Italy? Red white and GREEN?!
4 - Debbie Knebel
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 09:36:41 EDT
Subject: Bonza Bottler Day Originator & Thanks
Dear Ms. Tolliver -
I read your Cinco de Mayo - Super Bonza Bottler Day article and was thrilled. Years ago a friend started this monthly holiday. I first read about it in our local newspaper and also read in the same article a disturbing point. My friend and the originator of the holiday, Elaine Freemont, was killed in a traffic accident. I, and the world, gained a great monthly holiday and at the same time I learned of it, I found I had lost a friend.
Following is the link to an article that describes acurately Elaine's idea of the celebration. Upon searching further, another article states that Elaine had this registered in Washington. (?) Elaine was a super person that enjoyed life without the desire or need of alcohol, etc. She had the Lord and His spirit and joy in her life and I look forward to the days I'll see her again. expressionsofsoul.com
I felt compelled to write you to clear up the authorship, and also to thank you for mentioning it. After first reading in our paper about the holiday, I never forgot the concept - however, I did forget the strange name and I have you to thank for bringing that to light - THANK YOU!
Happy Bonza Bottler Days!
Debbie Knebel