Do you know what Cinco de Mayo is? Most people think it's just a day to drink margaritas and eat Mexican food, but there's actually a lot more to it than that! Today, we're going to take a look at the history of Cinco de Mayo and find out more about this important holiday. Stay tuned – it's going to be a fun ride!

History of Cinco de Mayo

So, what exactly is Cinco de Mayo? Well, it's a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. Even though the French eventually went on to occupy Mexico for another five years, the initial victory was seen as a symbol of hope and defiance against a much larger and better-equipped opponent.

Interestingly enough, Cinco de Mayo isn't actually that big of a deal in Mexico – it's really only celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place. In the United States, however, the holiday has taken on a life of its own and has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. From huge parades to delicious food and drink, there's something for everyone at Cinco de Mayo!

How To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico and in Mexican-American communities throughout the United States. There are a variety of ways you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Here are a few ideas:

1. Have a fiesta

Invite your friends and family over for a Cinco de Mayo party. Serve traditional Mexican food and drinks, such as tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, margaritas, and beer. Don't forget to play some fun Mexican music!

2. Learn about Mexican culture

If you're interested in learning more about Mexican culture, visit your local library or search the internet for books and articles on the topic. You can also watch a movie or documentary about Mexico to get an idea of what life is like there.

3. Take a trip to Mexico

Many people travel to Mexico specifically to experience Cinco de Mayo festivities. If you want to celebrate like a true Mexican, consider visiting Mexico this May 5th!

4. Dance to Mexican Music

If you're not able to travel to Mexico this year, bring the Mexican culture to you. Watch videos of traditional Mexican dances, or try learning some yourself!

5. Wear a sombrero and mustache

When it comes to Cinco de Mayo celebrations, what could be more fun than wearing accessories? A sombrero and a mustache are classic symbols of Mexico, so why not adorn yourself with them for May 5th?

6. Cook a Mexican meal

One of the best ways to celebrate any culture is through its food. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, try cooking up a traditional Mexican meal. There are countless recipes available online or in cookbooks.

7. Visit a local Mexican festival

In many cities across the United States, there are festivals held to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. These events usually feature live music, Mexican food, and folkloric dancing. Check your city's event listings to see if there's a festival happening near you!

8. Watch a parade

Many cities with large Mexican-American populations hold parades on Cinco de Mayo. These parades typically feature floats decorated with colorful costumes and traditional music. If you're lucky enough to live near one of these cities, make sure to check out the parade!

9. Decorate your home with Mexican-themed décor

Get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit by decorating your home with items that represent Mexican culture. You can find these items at party stores, online, or even in your own backyard!

10. Teach your children about Cinco de Mayo

This holiday is a great opportunity to teach your kids about Mexican culture and history. There are many books and resources available that can help you do this. You can also try doing some fun crafts or activities with them to get them excited about learning about another culture!

As you can see, there are many ways that you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Whether you choose to host a party, travel to Mexico, or simply learn more about Mexican culture, the important thing is to enjoy yourself and have fun!

Our Favorite Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that always makes us happy. It’s a day where we can celebrate Mexican culture and enjoy some amazing food! Today, we wanted to share with you our favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes.

Chile Rellenos

This traditional dish features roasted poblano peppers stuffed with gooey cheese. They are then dipped in batter and fried until crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside. It is usually served alongside some refried beans and Spanish rice for an authentic experience. This dish makes a wonderful appetizer or a side dish for your Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Carne Asada

This dish is grilled flank steak that is marinated in a delicious blend of orange juice, garlic, and spices. It’s always so juicy and flavorful, and we like to serve it with tortillas and all of the fixings.

Nachos Supreme

Our favorite nachos feature fresh tortilla chips, a savory cheese sauce, juicy seasoned ground beef or turkey, black beans, and all of your favorite toppings. They are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish for any Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Tamales

This is another traditional Cinco de Mayo dish that we just love. Tamales are made with a corn-based dough that is filled with either meat or vegetables and then wrapped in a corn husk before being steamed. They make a great main dish or side and are always so flavorful and satisfying.

Fish Tacos

Tacos are always a hit at Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and this fish taco is no exception. This recipe features fresh, flaky fish that is coated in a crispy batter and fried until golden brown. This dish is better served with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and a creamy sauce.

Pico de Gallo

This fresh salsa is made with diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s the perfect addition to any Cinco de Mayo meal, and we love to eat it with chips or use it as a topping for our tacos.

Best Ever Guacamole

What would a Cinco de Mayo celebration be without guacamole? This is the best guacamole recipe we’ve ever found, and it’s a delight to eat. It features fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt.

Margaritas

Of course, no Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without a delicious margarita to sip on while you enjoy all of your amazing Mexican food.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about the history of Cinco de Mayo, try celebrating it in your own way! Whether you host a party, make traditional Mexican dishes, or simply enjoy a margarita with friends, this holiday is the perfect excuse to have some fun. So put on your sombrero and get ready to fiesta!