Happy Cinco de Mayo! In case you are wondering (as was I!), Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla. It is not Mexico’s independence day (as is widely assumed). The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5th, 1862 when Mexico defeated France’s attempted invasion.
The significance of the Battle of Puebla is that a smaller, poorly equipped army (Mexico with 4000 troops) defeated a larger, better-equipped one (France with 6500 troops). It is a real-life David and Goliath story. In this battle, the Mexican people demonstrated that they were willing and able to defend their homeland from invaders. This victory also crushed the European mystique which held that European governments and armies were, by their very nature, more powerful than smaller countries.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with fiestas, dancing, decorations and food. Women dress in brightly colored dresses, and men wear authentic western clothing to commemorate the holiday. There are parades, Mariachi bands and people dancing in the streets. The internet is filled with great stories and ideas for celebrating. I’m a humongous fan of Mexican food, music, colors and, of course, the people (Silver Lining).
What are you doing for Cinco de Mayo?
Camille Styles’ Señoritas Y Sangria
Oh Happy Day’s Geometric Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Garland DIY
Milkshake’s Cinco de Mayo for Kids
Nicole Miller’s Cinco de Mayo Ingredients
Eat Drink Garden’s Tequila Gimlet and Guacamole (because you can’t have one without the other, right?!?)
Confections of a Foodie Bride’s Margarita Glazed Madeline’s
Huffington Post’s Cinco de Mayo 2012: A Brief History of Baile Folklorico
