It’s everyone’s favorite Mexican holiday, a chance to listen to Mexican music, hang up the piñatas, make your favorite guacamole, and celebrate with our Spanish Americans on their important holiday. So what are we celebrating? Most folks know enough Spanish to understand that “Cinco de Mayo” is May fifth, so it must be a special date in history, but why do Mexicans celebrate that particular day?
On Cinco de Mayo, Mexicans remember the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862. On that day, Mexicans won an important battle against the French army, which was invading Mexico. France had a long history of interfering in Mexico’s business, dating back to the famous Pastry War of 1838. In 1862, Mexico was having big problems and owed money to other countries, mainly France. France invaded Mexico to try and get their money.
Basically, the battle is famous because the Mexicans weren’t supposed to win. The French army had about 6,000 soldiers and the Mexicans only had 4,500. No one thought the Mexicans would win except the Mexicans! The day was May 5, 1862, and from that day to this, it is an honored day of triumph for the Mexicans.
So let’s all celebrate with homemade burritos, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and all of our Mexican favorites. One of my favorite is my version of Mexican Fried Rice. Look for it on my recipes and be sure to make it on May 5. You will absolutely love this dish. I could really over indulge on this one, and I bet you will love this too.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Rosalie
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