Cinco de Mayo is an annual excuse to indulge in some Mexican cuisine, from tacos to tequila, but this year do seek out some other traditional recipes to expand your palette and diversify your understanding of the culture.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated every May 5 in honor of the Mexican army’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
So, no, it is not the celebration of Mexico’s independence, a common misconception. That’s on Sept. 16, which marks the country’s independence from Spain with a war that spanned 1810 to 1821.
The battle won in 1862 was actually followed by a second battle and a loss to the French army, resulting in France occupying Mexico City.
It wasn’t until 1866, after the United States sent money and guns to Mexico, that France withdrew troops from the country.
But get this: more Americans celebrate the holiday than Mexicans. Much of this is attributed to the first celebration of Cinco to Mayo back in 1862 in Columbia, Calif., among Mexican-Americans and just really great marketing – beer sales on Cinco de Mayo rival those on the Super Bowl!
In Mexico, the battle is more often honored with military reenactments, parades and festivals.
While I love any excuse for festivities, it’s important to remember the purpose of the celebrations and be earnest in your observation. I find food is a great way to get to know another culture, and a great way to start is by learning the diversity of Mexican culture and looking beyond the taco to indulge in its vast food traditions.
Mexican cuisine is very regional, and many of the dishes Americans are familiar with come from the Northern or Baja California regions.
Now let’s explore what some of those regions and others have to offer, so when Cinco de Mayo arrives, you can seek out a new option to diversify your understanding of Mexican cuisine.
Source: LI Press
