On May 5, 1862, the Mexican Army, against all odds, defeated French forces in the Battle of Puebla. On Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the 5th of May), many Mexicans around the world celebrate their Mexican ancestry and people of all backgrounds can take the time to appreciate Mexican culture. Here’s how to enjoy the festivities
Step 1:
Learn about the significance of Cinco de Mayo. Lots of people think it’s Mexico’s Independence Day, but that’s on September 16. The Battle of Puebla wasn’t a turning point in the Mexican and French conflict, as the French invasion succeeded the following year. The significance of the Battle of Puebla is that Mexico was the underdog; at that time, the French Army was considered the greatest military force on the globe, having remained undefeated for 50 years.[1] The Mexican forces were outnumbered (4,500 vs. 6,040) yet after being attacked, they suffered far fewer losses (83 Mexicans died, 462 French died).[2] Talk about beating the odds!
Step 2:
Indulge in Mexican cuisine. For a more authentic experience, steer clear of Mexican fast food chains like Taco Bell and Pollo Loco. Go for an authentic Mexican meal, rather than Tex Mex (“Texas Mexican,” or Americanized Mexican food). For example, did you know that nachos are rarely eaten in Mexico? And that no one puts cheddar cheese in their tacos or tostadas? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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