No, seriously, unless you live in Puebla City in Mexico, THAT is exactly what you are celebrating – a 1970’s marketing campaign by Corona Beer.
Cinco de Mayo has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with Mexican Independence Day – that would be September 16th!
Blame It On California
Actually, sometime in the mid-1800s, California, well after it was annexed from Mexico, has some records of a celebration on May 5th.
Chances are it was pretty low-key and didn’t involve tequila shots, gringos in sombreros, or ponchos. But, hey, who doesn’t like a good party.
The Battle of Puebla
On May 5th, 1862, the Mexican Army defeated the much better-equipped army of Napoleon III just outside of Puebla City, which is a big deal for Puebla City.
But, the holiday isn’t widely celebrated anywhere else in Mexico. So, yes, Mexico’s defeat of the French in the Puebla region is a holiday – just not the one we observe in the US and now many other countries.
No Hard Shell Tacos Here!
We love any excuse to make Mexican food. However, hard shell tacos buried in shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese aren’t our style.
Just for fun, Mark started his Cinco de Mayo celebration with some Huevos Ranchero.
So, regardless of how you choose to celebrate, Happy Corona Beer Day!
