Cinco de Mayo

It’s Mexican Independence Day!

Or is it? 

Although that’s a commonly held belief, it’s not an accurate one. Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is actually a holiday that celebrates the date of a single battle in the Franco-Mexican War. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army secured a victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. It was a battle that lasted from daybreak to early evening. The French had lost nearly 500 soldiers by the time they retreated and the Mexicans suffered fewer than 100 casualties. Although this clash was not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, General Ignacio Zaragoza’s success on May 5 with his vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexican troops represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. In 1867, with some military support and political pressure from the United States, France finally withdrew.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday. But you know how we Americans get with holidays that show our international heritage. (Just think St. Patrick’s Day!) In the U.S., the holiday has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. For some, it’s just another excuse to drink margaritas. As if we need an excuse! 

Follow the links here for recipes in that will make your Cinco de Mayo celebration complete. From basic tortilla recipes to the day’s signature drink and some grilled treats that go beyond the traditional taco bar. 

Margarita Grilled Shrimp

Mexican Street Corn (Elotes) 

Grilled Banana Split Nachos

Corn and Flour Tortillas

Margaritas