One of our favorite holidays and one we never pass up celebrating, even if it is really a kind of a non-holiday.
While the day commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French military at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, American beer companies have turned it into yet another drunken holiday/event and a pseudo celebration of Mexican culture. But I prefer to focus on the fact that if the French defeated the Mexican Army, they would have traveled North and rendered aid to the Confederacy and turned the tide of the Civil War. Of course for your Southerners that may be a point of soreness. But for those of us in the North it it was a un medio para la victoria! ¡ Felicitaciones al ejercito mexicano!
In my house however Cinco De Mayo basically means a large Mexican themed dinner, some Mexican decor and some Mexican music. I will make up a fresh bowl of pico de gallo, hand smashed spicy guacamole and cook up some black beans. Then I will grill up 4-5 chili lime marinated NY Strips and 4-5 cilantro lime marinated chicken breasts, then I will fire roast some tomatillos, peppers & onions. The wife will make fried cheese "tortilla chips", sweet corn cake (for those who eat such things) and a pitcher of sugar-free fresh squeezed lemonade. We will tell the tale of the Battle of Puebla, we will say our prayers (to include the people of Mexico) and we will dig in until we are thoroughly stuffed.
Yeah, I know it's only Tres de Mayo, that's how excited I am!
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!