celebrating cinco de mayo!
may 5th is an important day in mexican history. its celebration in that country is nearly as important as its independence day. in fact, there are those who believe that cinco de mayo should be renamed mexican independence day. in many american communities, too, particularly in california and texas, cinco de mayo is a holiday that ranks as one of the most festive of the year.
cinco de mayo celebration in detroit, mi © lisa monahan photography
cinco de mayo celebrates 4,000 mexican soldiers smashing the french and traitor mexican army of 8,000 at puebla, mexico, 100 miles east of mexico city on the morning of may 5, 1862. when the battle was over, many french were killed or wounded and their cavalry was chased away. the mexicans had won a great victory that affected their country’s future.
the jubilant mexican holiday celebrated on may 5th marks that victory with parades, mariachi music, folk dancing and the enjoyment of mexican cuisine.
much of this post was originally part of an article by long-time monahan’s shopper and ann arbor food writer, catherine arcure, who has since moved to new york and appears to be doing interesting things!
additional links for cinco de mayo recipes:
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