Cinco de Mayo celebrates the 1862 battle between the victory of an under-manned, under-armed Mexican army against Napoleon III’s well-fortified French Army led by Napoleon III. We in America use it as an excuse to drink margaritas (Here’s a yummy recipe) and dance the salsa (Here are the basic steps.)
Celebrating 5/5 in the U.S. was started in 1967 by Cal State students who noticed there weren’t any Mexican holidays celebrated in America like there were for other nationalities (like St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, or Chinese New Year). My Web Grocer reports that sales of jalapeno peppers and cheese increased 70 percent in the last week. (Except in Arizona.)
At the very least, put on a mariachi song and make yourself a margarita, but don’t forget, amigos don’t let amigos drive drunk.
