Celebration: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in May in Mexico and the United States.

Mole poblano

Mole poblano. Source: Feast Magazine

Celebration 
Cinco de Mayo is translated to the “Fifth of May”. In Mexico it is referred to as “El Día de la Batalla de Puebla”.  

 

When 
It is celebrated on the 5th of May every year.

 

Origins
Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.

 

A celebration of Mexican pride
Curiously, Cinco de Mayo is a bigger celebration in the US than it is in Mexico itself, where it is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. In the US the day is now associated with displaying Mexican pride. The celebrations are marked by putting up Mexican flags, dressing in the colours of green, white and red, and holding parades. For most Americans however, Cinco de Mayo is an excuse to eat, drink and party.

 

Emphasising Mexican cuisine
All kinds of Mexican foods are eaten on the day, including quesadillas, burritos, tortillas and nachos. As the celebration originates from the town of Puebla, dishes traditional to the town, such as dulce de camote (candies made from sweet potato), and  (a rich chocolate and chilli sauce) are eaten. Elsa Lavin Salazar, from Riverlife (who are holding a big  this May in Brisbane) says, “Mole poblano is the most representative dish of Mexican cuisine for this celebration, as the name of the dish recalls the name of the city of Puebla.  The celebration cannot be complete without a mariachi band interpreting famous Mexican songs such as “Cielito lindo” or “Cucurrucucu Paloma””.  

 

Celebrations in Australia 
For Mexicans in Australia, Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate their culture with food and festivities. This is a fantastic time to throw your very own Mexican-themed party, crank out the taco toppings, salsa and dip and put on a costume to celebrate.

 

Want to cook up a Mexican feast? Check out our collection .

 


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2 min read
Published 10 April 2014 8:58am
Updated 5 May 2016 9:51am
By Saman Shad


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