Cinco De Mayo

The History of Cinco de Mayo

Story of Benito Juárez  -  Short History of Porfirio DíazMaximilian I, Emperor of Mexico & The French Intervention

Introduction The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Pueblaand throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually September 16.  Setting The Stage The battle at Puebla in 1862 happened at a violent and chaotic time in Mexico's history. Mexico had finally gained independence from Spain in 1821 after a difficult and bloody struggle, and a number of internal political takeovers and wars, including the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and the Mexican Civil War of 1858, had ruined the national economy. Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian During this period of struggle Mexico had accumulated heavy debts to several nations, including Spain, England and France, who were demanding repayment. Similar debt to the U.S. was previously settled after the Mexican-American War. France was eager to expand its empire at that time, and used the debt issue to move forward with goals of establishing its own leadership in Mexico. Realizing France's intent of empire expansion, Spain and England withdrew their support. When Mexico finally stopped making any loan payments, France took action on its own to install Napoleon III's relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico. Mexico Confronts The Invasion Map showing Veracruz, site of the French invasion France invaded at the gulf coast of Mexico along the state of Veracruz (see map) and began to march toward Mexico City, a distance today of less than 600 miles. Although American President Abraham Lincoln was sympathetic to Mexico's cause, and for which he is honored in Mexico, the U.S. was involved in its own Civil War at the time and was unable to provide any direct assistance. Gen. Zaragoza Marching on toward Mexico City, the French army encountered strong resistance near Puebla at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. Lead by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, a smaller, poorly armed militia estimated at 4,500 men were able to stop and defeat a well outfitted French army of 6,500 soldiers, which stopped the invasion of the country. The victory was a glorious moment for Mexican patriots, which at the time helped to develop a needed sense of national unity, and is the cause for the historical date's celebration. Unfortunately, the victory was short lived. Upon hearing the bad news, Napoleon III had found an excuse to send more troops overseas to try and invade Mexico again, even against the wishes of the French populace. 30,000 more troops and a full year later, the French were eventually able to depose the Mexican army, take over Mexico City and install Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico. Maximilian's rule of Mexico was also short lived, from 1864 to 1867. With the American Civil War now over, the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French, after which Maximilian was executed by the Mexicans - his bullet riddled shirt is kept at the museum at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. So despite the eventual French invasion of Mexico City, Cinco de Mayo honors the bravery and victory of General Zaragoza's smaller, outnumbered militia at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today's Celebration For the most part, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday throughout the country with different levels of enthusiasm, but it's nothing like that found in Puebla. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico. Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year. Now that you know the history let's talk COCKTAILZ!!!!! Cinco de Mayo recipe rating 7.8 13 votes   Vote! 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Share serve in Cocktail Glass alcohol 22% options    Scale ingredients toservings 2 1/2 ozwhite tequila 1 ozgrenadine syrup 1 ozRose's® lime juice Shake well with lots of ice. Strain into glass. Garnish with fresh lime wedge if desired. Read more:Cinco de Mayo recipehttp://www.drinksmixer.com/drink2877.html#ixzz1LDVPjeEt Top 10 Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo By Colleen Graham, About.com Guide See More About: ·                                 tequila ·                                 products of mexico ·                                 cinco de mayo ·                                 holiday parties ·                                 cocktails for special occasions On May 5, 1862 Mexican soldiers won a hard fought battle over the French in Puebla, Mexico. Since that day Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) has become a celebration of Mexican heritage, filled with parties, food, fun, cerveza and, of course, tequila. To help you plan your Cinco de Mayo party I've compiled a list of the best tequila and Mexican-inspired cocktails. Many of these cocktails feature tropical fruit mixers, a perfect springtime accent for the premium distilled spirits that the drinks are designed to show off. As always, party responsibly. Salud! 1. Mexi-tini Photo Courtesy of: © Van Gogh Vodka Orange is the premiere flavor of this Mexi-tini, which features orange-infused vodka, tequila and orange juice. The Mexi-tini is an easy flavored Martini that brings a little sunshine to the spring celebration of Cinco de Mayo. More: Mexi-tini Recipe Sponsored Links Vancouver RestaurantsGet 50% Off Coupons On The Best Restaurants In Vancouver. Sign Up!www.LivingSocial.com Vancouver Deal of the Day50-90% Off Spas, Restaurants & More Eat, See & Do for Less with TeamBuywww.teambuy.ca Cabana CachaçaThe leading artisanal version of Brasil's national spiritwww.cabanacachaca.com 2. Paloma The Paloma is one of the more traditional mixed drinks enjoyed throughout Mexico. For the best Paloma, choose a high quality blanco or reposado tequila, which will be perfectly complimented by the sweet, tart grapefruit juice. More: Paloma Recipe 3. Grenada Take a Tequila Sunrise, replace the orange juice with grapefruit juice, and you'll have yourself one great Grenada. This tart, sweet citrus cocktail is a wonderful springtime drink and since this particular recipe it features one of the best small batch tequilas available (Tezon) it's perfect for Cinco de Mayo. More: Grenada Recipe 4. Maya Magic Photo Courtesy of: © Van Gogh Vodka Okay, so there's no tequila in this cocktail but it is an absolutely delicious, fruity drink nonetheless. What it is is a mix of mango and pineapple vodkas, triple sec and cranberry juice. Think of it as a tropical Cosmopolitan, only I'll go out on a limb and say the Maya Magic is better. More: Maya Magic Recipe 5. Tamarind Margarita Although I had never tasted tamarind before my first Tamarind Margarita, my first sip started an instant love affair with the fruit and, I'll admit, this is by far my favorite blended Margarita. It has tart, sweet and sour taste that is enhanced by only the best reposado tequilas. More: Tamarind Margarita Recipe 6. Toronha Chill out on Cinco de Mayo with this flavor-filled frozen cocktail. Simply combine the delectable tequilas of Tezon (or other super-premium brand) with grapefruit, pomegranate and orange and you've created a blended fruit medley in a glass. More: Toronha Recipe 7. Old Lay You'll hear it from me time and again, gold is not where it's at when we're talking tequilas. However for those die hards for Tequila Shots who are emptying a bottle of Jose Cuevo Gold, here's a cocktail for you when you want to slow down. And, it's easy enough to shake up that you'll still be able to handle it, even after your third shot. More: Old Lay Recipe 8. Crouching Tiger For those who are searching for an awesome tequila shot that doesn't prepare you for a horrible morning, take it easy with a Crouching Tiger. This simple shooter of tequila andlychee liqueur is like east meets south with a brief, flowery brush along the path to inebriation. More: Crouching Tiger Recipe Sponsored Links Diabetes Friendly FoodsNutrition know-how! Get on the road to healthy eating. Recipes & MenusKraftCanada.com/diabetes Diabetic-Friendly RecipesLow-calorie recipes, tips & ideas. SPLENDA® Recipe Club - Join Today!Splenda.ca 9. Freddie Fuddpucker Forget your Harvey Wallbanger for a day, for Cinco de Mayo transform it into a Freddie Fuddpucker instead. Pairing a good, full-agave-flavored tequila (as opposed to vodka) with the unique spiciness of Galliano is a nice change of pace with an earthiness that is perfect for spring celebrations. More: Freddie Fuddpucker Recipe 10. Dulce de Tequila Get decadent, authentic Mexican by following your Cinco de Mayo dinner with Pan Dulce for dessert served alongside this candy-like cocktail. A Dulce de Tequila, with it's tequila, Cognac, Cointreau and agave nectar, is a great compliment for the traditional sugary bread. The Party..... Home » Entertaining » ShareThis | print OLÉ - Head for the border! May 5th is the Mexican holiday known as Cinco de Mayo, but you can celebrate it anytime. What better excuse for a party?  in this article • decorations • drinks  • food The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, "The Fifth of May", commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, but is also celebrated in other parts of the world with a Mexican population. For a complete history visit www.mexonline.com THROW YOUR OWN MEXICAN PARTY If you can't make it to Mexico for the real thing, why not throw your own Mexican theme party? When you are doing a Mexican theme, think vibrant and vivacious. The colors should be bright, loud and excessive. The music should be upbeat and fun.   How to make paper flowers. Find colorful sheets of tissue paper. Place different colors one atop another. Use between 6 to 10 pieces. Fold the stack accordion style and place flower wire in the center to secure. Gently pull the first layer toward the center on the left, then on the right. Continue until you have a round flower. Decorations Decorate the room with lots and lots of colorful streamers. The colors, such as red, green and white, and sheer amount of the paper streamers should be vibrant and overstated. Decorate the room with colorful, oversized paper flowers and make smaller flowers for the female guests to wear in their hair. You're never too old for a piñata To top off your room hang a piñata. It adds a great touch and doubles as a game at the end of the party -- watch them line up to bat. You can find piñata's at a local hobby or novelty store. To buy piñatas (and other Cinco de Mayo supplies) online, visit www.1partysuppliesandfavors.com/ Costumes Keep it simple, a sombrero and a colorful blanket draped over the shoulder for the each gentleman, and colorful dresses for the women. Welcome party goers with Mexican music at the door -- and a Margarita cocktail, of course. Music The music is easy as there are so many choices for Mexican music; Mariachi bands, salsa, and tejano. If it gets too overwhelming, choose something with a little of everything. Something like Viva El Mariachi by Nati Mariachi Los Camperos Cano. It is a collection of traditional Mexican favorites. Drinks GETTING TEQUILA STRAIGHT: Once known as a coarse and fiery spirit that needed to be combined with fruit juice and sugar in order to be palatable, tequila has become respectable — and not just in the sunny states that border Mexico, but all over the world. Learn more about tequila » MARGARITA [mahr-gah-REE-tah] A cocktail made with tequila, an orange-flavored liqueur and lime juice, it has quietly and steadily become an international phenomenon, and according to the readers of Gourmet magazine, it is the now most popular cocktail in North America. Learn more about the Margarita » SALUD CERVEZA South-of-the-border beers provide cool thirst-quenching refreshment on hot days. When the temperature soars, you'll likely want to grab a light lager for the patio or beach. Get the lowdown on Mexican beers » Food Buffet style parties are easier, and more informal, for the hostess and her guests. For this buffet setting use a brightly colored table cloth. Place a sombrero in the center of the table as a centerpiece and scatter bright red chili peppers around the brim to add color. If you are serving tacos use wicker baskets, and put all your fixings in individual clay pots. Large pots for the main ingredients, small pots for the sauces. Newly purchased clay flower pots work well and are inexpensive. (Remember to fill in the hole at the bottom!) Our partners at Canadian Living (www.canadianliving.com) have put together a great Mexican meal plan. Cinco de Mayo celebration menu • Southwestern Pulled Pork with Pineapple • Chili Cornmeal Catfish • Mixed Pepper Rajas • Herbed Sour Cream • Pickled Onions and Jalapeños • Pico de Gallo • White Chocolate Margarita Mousse