May 5 has been a celebrated for over 150 years as a part of Mexican culture and is more commonly known as Cinco de Mayo.
According to history.com, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the victory at the Battle of Puebla, a battle that was won over France in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War.
Napoleon III tried to turn Mexican territory into a dependent empire. A Mexican army of 2,000 men was led to fight against the French troops that attacked Puebla. The success of the victory was symbolic for the Mexican government.
According to Inside Mexico, a magazine focusing on the culture of Mexico, the French did not just invade Mexico for money, but also for the rights of some land.
Though the battle was fought in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture; whereas in Mexico, it is celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla where the battle took place.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Cinco de Mayo in Puebla is commemorated with parades, speeches and battle reenactments. Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. is more focused on the food, drinks, music and other aspects of the Mexican culture.
The largest celebrations take place in cities such as Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Many districts in these cities will teach lessons and organize events to help students better understand the culture of those Americans who are of Mexican descent.
Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day. The two are different holidays. Mexico declared independence more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla was fought and is celebrated on September 16.
For those who want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Food Network gives several ideas for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta.
One dish, refried beans, takes a lighter side to this typical Mexican side dish and can be cooked in less than 20 minutes.
Another dish, chicken mole, is made with mole sauce, which consists of cinnamon, anise, coriander, peppers and Mexican chocolate.
Several tamale recipes can also be found, including smoked cheddar cheese and chicken.
For those who want a sweet Mexican treat, there are several desert recipes to choose from. Some of the recipes include Mexican brownies, sopaipillas with chocolate sauce, churros with coconut sauce, chocolate cupcakes with Mexican hot chocolate frosting and several others.
The website also gives recipes for many different types of salsas, guacamoles, burritos, enchiladas and the classic tacos. Some of the taco recipes include Tacos Carne Asada, shrimp tacos, poblano, mushroom and potato tacos and many more.
These recipes, along with several others, can be found at www.foodnetwork.com and are helpful for those wanted to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a festive way.
