Happy Cinco de Mayo
Posted on: May 5, 2008A great deal is written on this blog about my husband’s Italian and Calabrese culture, and how that meshes with my American and, sometimes seemingly more dominant, Texas heritage. It’s a fun mix to say the least. I wrote last week about where I was from, and I’ve shared personal stories, and travel ideas on both Texas and Calabria.
But, it’s just a tad incomplete.
Today is Cinco de Mayo, folks!
And, no. I don’t have an ounce of Mexican sangre in my veins, but I’m from Texas, dangit! We’re neighbors. And, for that, I celebrate.
Many people mistakenly think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s independence day. But, it’s not. Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain on September 16, and these two celebratory events occurred more than 50 years apart!
So, why is May 5th so important to Mexico?
photo credit: sfmission.com
In short, it’s not!
May 5th commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, which some people argue boosted America’s Yankee soldiers to victory in our own civil war. The date is remembered in and around the village of Puebla, in limited areas throughout Mexico, and in many US cities where there is a strong Mexican presence. In fact, according to some sources, Cinco de Mayo is more popular over the border, than south!
Regardless of who has the grandest parade, or the biggest festival, Cinco de Mayo will always hold a special place in my heart. So, tonight is Mexican night at mi casa, complete with homemade margaritas, freshly prepared quesadillas, and maybe a new recipe, or three, I found for the occasion.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Hope you and Rita have a lovely evening together
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Just reading this…especially the end, makes me crave some good Mexican fare
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Thank you, Michelle. We always do. This is another one of those days I wish you were just a bit closer!
Good for you, Robin! See? You HAVE to add Calabria to your next Italian trip list!
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Muchas gracias for the history lesson. It’s good to be reminded about the celebrations and traditions.
You really know how to have fun and celebrate ethnic holidays wherever you live.
A presto,
Carole
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De nada, Carole! We had a good Cinco de Mayo dinner last night. I just need to make more ICE, and import more velveeta!
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Ole! I would just love to hear you say Ole and dangit, dangit! lol
I miss Cinco de Mayo. I plain miss Mexican food. I think it is a bigger celebration across the border. Afterall, just gives people a reason to eat Mexican and drink margaritas.
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