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What is Cinco de Mayo? |
by Alli Rodenhauser (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
"Cinco de Mayo" means "Fifth of May" in Spanish, and is a Mexican holiday celebrated on that date every year. It commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, during which the Puebla (a state in Mexico) army defeated the invading French — an important victory, because at the time the French army had been undefeated for over fifty years!
But even though Puebla was successful in avoiding invasion, the French were able to capture Mexico City instead. Because of this defeat, Cinco de Mayo is actually an unpopular holiday in Mexico, and is normally only celebrated in and around Puebla.
Throughout the rest of the world, and especially in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a day to celebrate and honor Mexican culture (much like St. Patrick's Day celebrates the Irish, or Chinese New Year for the Chinese). Cities might have street fairs or parades, performances of traditional Mexican folk songs and dances, and especially lots of good food and drinks!
Does your city have any special celebrations? Ask a parent if you can go check them out!
Eating traditional Mexican food is a yummy way to celebrate this holiday! Ask a grown-up to help you make this simple guacamole recipe.
You will need:
2 avocados
1 lime
1 small tomato
salt to taste
1. Have the grown-up peel and chop the avocados and tomato, then put the pieces in a bowl.
2. Squeeze the juice from half of the lime into the mixture.
3. Use two forks to mash the lime juice, avocado, and tomato together.
4. Season with salt, then enjoy with tortilla chips!
But even though Puebla was successful in avoiding invasion, the French were able to capture Mexico City instead. Because of this defeat, Cinco de Mayo is actually an unpopular holiday in Mexico, and is normally only celebrated in and around Puebla.
Throughout the rest of the world, and especially in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a day to celebrate and honor Mexican culture (much like St. Patrick's Day celebrates the Irish, or Chinese New Year for the Chinese). Cities might have street fairs or parades, performances of traditional Mexican folk songs and dances, and especially lots of good food and drinks!
Does your city have any special celebrations? Ask a parent if you can go check them out!
Eating traditional Mexican food is a yummy way to celebrate this holiday! Ask a grown-up to help you make this simple guacamole recipe.
You will need:
2 avocados
1 lime
1 small tomato
salt to taste
1. Have the grown-up peel and chop the avocados and tomato, then put the pieces in a bowl.
2. Squeeze the juice from half of the lime into the mixture.
3. Use two forks to mash the lime juice, avocado, and tomato together.
4. Season with salt, then enjoy with tortilla chips!