Over the years, the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo have become a tradition in the United States by celebrating Mexican culture. Celebrations include: learning the significance of Cinco de Mayo, hanging Mexican-themed decorations, listening to Mexican music, and our favorite, indulging in Mexican cuisine. We encourage you to put on a sombrero, whip up a batch of margaritas, shake some maracas, and get out experiencing all the glory of Mexican food. Wait – what is Cinco De Mayo again?
Although Cinco de Mayo has become a well-celebrated holiday in the United States, it still remains remotely insignificant in some parts of Mexico. Many people have the misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, when, in fact, that day is actually in September.
The events leading up to Cinco de Mayo involve the French occupation of Mexico, which happened after the involvement of several wars from 1846-1860. The aftermath of these wars had left Mexico in a financially vulnerable state, where the Mexican Treasury was nearly bankrupt. In July of 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez issued a waiting period that stopped all foreign debt payments for two years. In response to the moratorium, France, Spain, and Britain sent forces to demand payments. After negotiation, Britain and Spain agreed to withdraw their troops. However, being under the reign of dictator Nepoleon III, France decided to use the vulnerability of the Mexican economy as an opportunity to establish a Latin empire that would be influenced by French interests.
In late 1861, Napoleon and his troops stormed Veracruz in hopes to gain his desired “Second Mexican Empire”. This victory forced Juárez to retreat, leaving Mexicon in an even more vulnerable state. From there Napoleon moved his army of 8,000 troops West to Puebla, where a much smaller, and less equipped army of 4,500 waited the attack. Although the Mexican army had nearly half the troops of the French army, and far less resources, on May 5th, 1862, the Mexican Army defeated the French and is now known as Dia de la Batalla de Pueblo, The Day of the Battle of Pueblo.
Ok, enough of “history” class, the bell has rung and its time for cooking class! So, get in the kitchen to make these delicious Cinco De Mayo recipes:
Southwestern Breakfast Tostadas
If you have any questions, feel free to ask our favorite egg character – Egguardo Gonzalez – about his thoughts on these tasty recipes!
