Cinco De Mayo Celebrations

Cinco De Mayo is only a few days away and people are starting to prep their parties.

Like most, I thought that Cinco Ce Mayo was the celebrations of Mexican Independence–WRONG–that is actually September 16th.  Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla.  In Mexico the major celebrations take place in the town of Puebla.  It is about celebrating the human spirit.  Winning against the odds. Persevering despite how gloomy it may look ahead of you.

Cinco de Mayo has probably become a big celebration in the USA because of the large Chicano population.  It also probably has a lot to do with smart advertisers that know how Americans love to become another Nationality for a day just to have an excuse to eat and drink (ie..Oktoberfest, Greek Fest, St. Patrick’s Day),  We are the Melting Pot after all.

From Epicurious.com:

For many revelers, the Fifth of May has come to mean Margaritas and Mexican food, beer and balmy weather. But Cinco de Mayo isn’t the celebration of Mexican independence, as many believe, nor is it celebrated throughout Mexico. Festivities are generally confined to the state of Puebla, where, in 1862, Mexican troops defeated an invading French army nearly double their strength. Citizens there still mark the occasion with a military parade honoring the Battle of Puebla, followed by a fiesta filled with music, dancing, and, most importantly, food.

So, if you are having friends or family over, are looking for an excuse for a party, or even if you are just hanging with the family at home go over to Epicuriuos.com and get the scoop on some great food and drink for your Cinco De Mayo celebration.

Click here to get a large variety of food and drink information.  They offer vegetarian dishes from Rick Bayless, great grilling ideas, popular Mexican cookbooks and even a guide for selecting just the right tequila.

For a “Fabulous Fiesta” click here and get a step-by-step plan developed by Miguel Ravago, executive chef of Fonda San Miguel of  Austin, TX, for an authentic Mexican buffet.  They include not only the recipes and preparation ideas, but also decorations and hints on not making only a great Margarita, but some Sangria as well.