Last night at the dinner table, we were talking about what we would do for Cinco de Mayo and my daughter (3) asked what it was. We answered what we thought was right, then went to double check on Wikipedia…and well, we had to giggle a bit that this Mexican holiday isn’t as widely celebrated in Mexico as it is here in the states! Interesting! Here is what Wikipedia says –
” Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla. The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride,and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army‘s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day,the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th. ”
Well, we were kind of wrong in our original explanation, but WE DID know it was a celebration of Mexican heritage and that it IS celebrated whole heatedly here in Florida….We also know that we will join in that celebration tonight with a few of our favorites at dinner time! What about you, will you have one of these or all of them like me?
{from top left clockwise : Margarita , Guacamole, Chips and Salsa }
Now, I am a drinks and appetizer gal, so I would have my fill on the items above…but the hubby is a steak guy, so we will also include skirt steak topped with onions and black beans on the side!
I hope everyone enjoys the day!
Funny, we also had to check the Cinco de Mayo background online last year! Just to be sure we were preparing our Bistro articles properly. Sounds like your family May 5th dinner was delicious!