Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is a widely celebrated Mexican holiday. For many it’s a great excuse to go out for tacos and down a few margaritas, without knowing the real meaning behind the holiday. Cinco de Maya is actually a celebration of an unlikely victory, when untrained poorly equipped Mexican Soldiers defeated the French army. So on the 5th of May the victory is celebrated.
Here are 5 surprising facts about Cinco de Mayo:
1) It’s not that big of a deal in Mexico. Despite the various parties around the globe. The 16th of September, Mexico’s Independence Day, is the real celebration. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mainly celebrated with family.
2) The largest Cinco de Mayo party is held in Los Angeles, California. “Festival de fiesta Broadway” is held annually, and there are usually up to hundreds of thousands attendees. This is larger than any party held in Mexico.
3) Traditionally a dish called Mole Poblano is eaten on Cinco de Mayo. It is a dark brown, stew-y like sauce made up of almost anything you can think of, served over chicken or turkey. Quite far from a burrito.
4) Rumor has it that celebrating Cinco de Mayo originated from Mexicans living in the US, as a way to support racial equality. The first celebration ever recorded was in Columbia, California.
5) The White House holds a Cinco de Mayo party every year, and it is seen as a way to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
