What is Cinco De Mayo?
So many now know that Cinco de Mayo is an American holiday that feigns Mexican roots. Sometimes it is thought of as Mexican independence but actually it stems from a battle victory of Mexican forces over French forces. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say (Cinco de Mayo (pronounced [ˈsiŋko ðe ˈmaʝo] in Mexico, Spanish for "Fifth of May") is an annual celebration held on May 5. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.[1][2] The victory of the smaller Mexican force against a larger French force was a boost to morale for the Mexicans. Zaragoza died months after the battle due to illness. A year after the battle, a larger French force defeated the Mexican army at the Second Battle of Puebla, and Mexico City soon fell to the invaders.)
Many Mexicans get irked by the popularity of the holiday in the US and how it’s really just become an excuse for a party and drinking. But it is a fun holiday too. Wherever you land on your opinion of Cinco de Mayo, at least you know enough info now to avoid offending a native Mexican if you went up to them and wished them a happy Independence Day...gulp. I have to admit, up until about 5 years ago when I was schooled by a Mexican friend, I was guilty of that popular misconception. Fortunately as long as you’re sensitive to the origins of the holiday, most of my Mexican friends still don’t mind having a good time.
Here’s some other Cinco de Mayo info that might be of interest.
Some perspective: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/05/05/cinco-de-mayo-explained/26916669/
Pinterest Cinco De Mayo Decorations
Margarita Recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016358-margarita
Some Authentic Mexican Foods:
Even in a world of social distancing. I hope you can enjoy your own little bit of Cinco de Mayo and perhaps you may have picked up something new and interesting from this little post :)
