Cinco de Mayo ~ Celebrating the Battle of Puebla

Contrary to what some may believe, Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, is not “Mexican Independence Day.”

Cinco de Mayo (pronounced [ˈsiŋko ðe ˈmaʝo] is an annual celebration held on May 5th. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on that date in 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.

The victory of the smaller Mexican force to defeat the larger French force was a boost to morale for the Mexicans. A year after the battle, a larger French force defeated Zaragoza at the Second Battle of Puebla, and Mexico City soon fell to the invaders.

In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle continues to be mostly ceremonial, such as through military parades or battle reenactments. The city of Puebla marks the event with an arts festival, a festival of local cuisine, and re-enactments of the battle.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. More popularly celebrated in the United States than Mexico, the date has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. These celebrations began in California, where they have been observed annually since 1863.

The day gained nationwide popularity in the 1980s thanks especially to advertising campaigns by beer and wine companies. Today, Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl!

Here in the Greater Green Bay area, several of our Green Bay News Network Member Businesses are offering Specials and Features in Celebration of Cinco de Mayo:

Jimmy Seas – Sunday, May 5th: $4 Mexican beers, $5 Margaritas, $3 Jose Cuervo shots and $6 loaded Coronas. (Saturday, May 4th is the Kentucky Derby, so Jimmy Seas will offer a Mint Julep special that day –  Big Mouth and the Power Horns playing Saturday night).

Galley 57 Supper Club – Chef Andy Mueller will offer Surprise Drink Specials on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th.

Studio 1212 Cafe & Wine Bar – Saturday, May 4th: $5 Margaritas (regular, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and spicy) along with $5 Modello and Cornona; Live music with Antonio & Chase Duo starting at 630pm

Happy Cinco de Mayo ~ From the Green Bay News Network!