Cinco de Drinko?? What's the real history of Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although it is a significant day in Mexican history, it has also become a popular holiday in the United States, where people often celebrate with Mexican food, drinks, and decorations.

The Origins of Cinco de Mayo

In the early 1860s, Mexico was facing a difficult financial situation, and its government was forced to default on its debts to several European countries, including France. In response, France, under the leadership of Napoleon III, decided to invade Mexico and establish a French empire there. The French army was well-equipped and had won several battles against the Mexican army. However, on May 5, 1862, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. This victory was significant because it showed that the Mexican army was capable of standing up to a European power.

The Significance of Cinco de Mayo

Although the Battle of Puebla did not end the French occupation of Mexico, it was an important symbolic victory. The Mexican people saw it as a triumph of the underdog and a symbol of Mexican national pride. Cinco de Mayo became a national holiday in Mexico in 1867 and was celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla. However, it did not become a widely celebrated holiday in Mexico until the 20th century.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo began to be celebrated in the 1960s and 1970s, largely due to the efforts of Mexican-American activists who wanted to celebrate their heritage. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a popular holiday in the United States, and it is celebrated by people of all ethnicities.

How People Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration, and people often celebrate with food, drinks, and decorations. Traditional Mexican foods such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole are popular, as are Mexican-inspired cocktails such as margaritas and tequila shots. Many people also decorate their homes or businesses with Mexican flags, papel picado (decorative paper cutouts), and other festive decorations.

In addition to the traditional celebrations, Cinco de Mayo has also become a day for political activism. Many Mexican-Americans use the holiday as an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting the Mexican-American community, such as immigration reform and workers' rights.

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates a significant moment in Mexican history. It is a day of national pride and celebration in Mexico and has become a popular holiday in the United States. Whether you are celebrating with traditional foods and drinks or using the day as an opportunity for activism, Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

Here at Catalan Tapas Bar, we are not a "Spanish" tapas restaurant, we are a "Global Tapas Experience", and you'll find lots of different flavors on our menu, including ones from Mexico. We even put Jorge's mom's secret recipe for guacamole on there for you all to enjoy! We look forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with our friends every year - it is one of our biggest holiday events!

Stop by today and snag a $4 margarita, $5 tequila shot, $5 guacamole, or $2 street taco (we've got ground beef, ground turkey, and tofu!) We hope to see you here for the fiesta!