Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Everyone knows that May 5th, or Cinco De Mayo, is a day for tacos, margaritas, fun, and celebration. But do you know exactly what happened on this day of seemingly endless festivities and celebrations?History of Cinco De MayoLet’s start by clarifying the biggest misconception about the date: No, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less important or noteworthy than it truly is.A struggling Mexico faced intervention from the French, who hoped to gain control of the Latin American country under the rule of Napoleon III. French General Charles de Lorencez led his army to the capital, Mexico City, intending to overthrow the President of Mexico, Benito Juarez.But things didn’t go as planned, as they encountered strong resistance, culminating in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Even with forces that were half the number of their opponent, the Mexican army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French army in Puebla, a city just 70 miles from Mexico City. Four days later, on May 9, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday.While the battle itself was not a major strategic victory, and the French eventually took control of Mexico in 1864, it served to boost the morale of the resistance forces and helped them secure an alliance with Americans to drive Napoleon’s forces out.Mexican pro-Union citizens in California strongly celebrated the victory at the Battle of Puebla, seeing it as a victory for the unity of the two neighboring countries.Facts About Cinco de MayoOnly 1 in 10 people in the U.S. knows what Cinco de Mayo really isWhat does Cinco de Mayo mean to you?• Mexican Independence Day – 39%• Celebration of Mexican-American culture – 26%• I have no idea what Cinco de Mayo is about – 13%• An excuse to drink – 13%• The Mexican victory over the French – 10%Cinco De Mayo TraditionsIn Mexico, most Cinco de Mayo celebrations take place in Puebla, where the battle occurred. People dress as French and Mexican soldiers or in colorful clothing to participate in large parades. Patriotic clothing is sold, and stalls selling Mexican food can be found everywhere. Tacos and margaritas are widely consumed on this holiday, as well as mole poblano, which is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo. Sometimes, the battle is also reenacted for locals and tourists to witness the great victory of the Mexicans against the French troops.Cinco de Mayo is also observed in the United States. Costume parties are held for friends and family, with the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green) used in decorations. Mexican folk music is played and danced to. Celebrations also spill into the streets with large parades and special promotions for Mexican food at various restaurants.4 Facts About Cinco De Mayo1. It’s a hit among breweriesUp to $600 million in beer is sold on this day, a number that can surpass Super Bowl and St. Patrick’s Day.2. Tequila sales peakThe U.S. may consume about 127 million liters of tequila on May 5.3. Avocado?Americans can consume up to 87.3 million pounds of avocado on Cinco de Mayo.4. The first in New YorkCorona became the first brand to obtain permission to use the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball, transforming it into a lime and dropping it on May 5, 2017.Source: Nationaltoday.com