Cinco De Mayo 2023: Everyone knows that on May 5, or Cinco de Mayo, tacos, margaritas, merriment, and a celebration are in order. But did you realise that without the events of this fateful day, the United States as we know it today may not have existed? What transpired on this apparently endless day of partying and celebration? Let’s immerse ourselves in Mexican-American history!
WHEN IS CINCO DE MAYO 2023?
Every year on May 5, the Cinco de Mayo holiday is commemorated with great enthusiasm.
THE HISTORY OF FIVE OF MAY
Let’s begin by dispelling the greatest misconception: No, Cinco de Mayo is not the Independence Day of Mexico. However, this does not diminish its significance or significance, as its history reveals the significance of the North American landscape as a whole.
The French intervened a second time in an economically struggling Mexico in the hopes of seizing control of the Latin American nation under Napoleon III. General Charles de Lorencez directed his army towards the capital of Mexico City with the intention of removing President Benito Juarez from office.
However, things did not go according to plan as they encountered intense resistance, which culminated in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Mexican Army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, was able to defeat the French army in Puebla, a city 70 miles from Mexico City, despite having only half the number of soldiers as their adversaries. On the ninth of May, four days later, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday.
While the battle was not a significant strategic victory in and of itself, and the French took control of Mexico in 1864, it boosted the morale of the resistance forces and helped them form an alliance with the Americans to force Napoleon’s forces to withdraw. Since it is believed that the French would have aided the Confederacy during the American Civil War, Mexico’s resistance likely altered the course of American history.
Pro-Union Mexican citizens in the state of California viewed the victory at the Battle of Puebla as a victory for the Union’s cause, and subsequently formalised and spread the annual celebrations throughout the entire state of California and among Mexican-Americans everywhere.
CINCO DE MAYO TRADICTIONS
The preponderance of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico take place in Puebla, where the battle took place. People participate in large parades dressed as French and Mexican soldiers or in colourful attire. People can purchase patriotic clothing from vendors, and Mexican cuisine stands can be found everywhere. Although tacos and margaritas are the most popular foods ingested on this holiday, mole poblano is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo. Occasionally, the conflict is reenacted so that locals and tourists can witness the Mexicans’ impressive victory over the French.
The United States also observes Cinco de Mayo. Friends and family are invited to costume gatherings decorated with the colours of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green). Folk music from Mexico is performed and danced to. Large parades and special promotions on Mexican cuisine are also held on the streets during the festivities.
CINCO DE MAYO BY THE NUMBERS
- 2,000 Mexican soldiers defended the municipality of Puebla against an invading French force of 6,000.
- The percentage of U.S. citizens of Mexican descent is 16.7%.
- In 2011, the median age of persons of Mexican descent in the United States was 25.7 years old.
- The number of U.S. military veterans of Mexican descent is 700,000.
- Mexico is responsible for 42% of the global tortilla production.
- The number of avocados purchased for Cinco de Mayo was 87 million pounds.
- In 2011, the median annual income of households with a member of Mexican origin was $38,884.
- Corona Extra, Mexico’s most popular lager, was first brewed in 1925.
- Oaxaca, a white cheese from southern Mexico, is the most popular of the 20 varieties of Mexican cheeses that will be served.
- 60% of Mexican farmers produce maize, which is primarily used in the production of tortillas and beans.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO 2023
Find out about Mexico
Learn about the origins of Cinco de Mayo and increase your appreciation for our southern neighbours. Learn more about how their history has influenced ours and how they have contributed to the culture of the United States.
Mexican music will be played.
Consider learning traditional Mexican dances, including Jarabe Tapato. You can either enrol in a class or try it on your own at home. Not only is it enjoyable, but the exercise will help you feel less remorseful about eating traditional foods later! The larger the group, the greater the enjoyment, so invite your peers to a dance party!
Prepare a traditional supper
Food is one of the best methods to learn about a culture. Why not attempt to prepare a traditional Mexican dish at home, either alone or with friends? The standards can be obtained at any time. Try preparing pozole or tamales as an alternative to guacamole and tacos. You’ll enjoy making it as much as you enjoy consuming it.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE FIFTH OF MAY
It’s a success with beer manufacturers.
This day has the potential to sell more beer than both the Super Bowl and St. Patrick’s Day.
Tequila surpasses peak sales
On May 5, the United States can ingest approximately 127 million litres of tequila and mezcal.
Avocado?
On Cinco de Mayo, Americans can consume up to 87,3 million pounds of avocados.
unprecedented taco skulls
With 224 million uses, Taco Bell’s taco head Snapchat filter is the most successful advertising campaign ever conducted on the social platform.
The Times Square
New Year’s Eve ball was transformed into a lime and released on May 5, 2017 by the first brand to receive permission to use the ball.
WHY WE LOVE CINCO DE MAYO
Good neighbours
When Mexico celebrates, we also celebrate. Without Mexico’s wonderful citizens, the United States would not be where it is today. Cinco de Mayo is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that Mexico has to offer and the contributions it has made to our culture.
Fiestas Who doesn’t enjoy a nice celebration?
On Cinco de Mayo, celebrations are held nearly everywhere. You may be invited to one, or you may host your own. In contrast, numerous restaurants, clubs, and organisations host events. It’s a wonderful time to unwind, have fun, and spend time with friends and family!
Amazing cuisine
Cinco de Mayo is a great occasion to indulge in Mexican cuisine and even try your hand at a traditional dish you’ve never prepared before. If cooking is not your forte, dine out! Try something new at your local Mexican restaurant to show your support.
CINCO DE MAYO DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 5 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
