Happy Cinco de Mayo! In the last few weeks, I have taken a job at one of NYC's most reputable sports bars part-time to keep the lights on during these times of economic uncertainty. At that said bar, I take delivery/takeout orders and have forged a special bond with the delivery guys, many of whom are Mexican. Last week I asked my delivery comrades (in Spanish) if they had big plans for today seeing as how they are Mexican and in theory this day is to celebrate Mexican heritage. To my surprise, I was told that Mexicans treat this day much like any other, and that Americans make a bigger deal about it than Mexican natives. So that got me thinking...what is the story behind Cinco de Mayo??
On May 5, 1862, an outnumbered, less-equipped Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla. France was coming to collect past-due payments that the Mexican govt. owed but had failed to pay after the Mexican-American War left the country's finances in shambles. The French army had not been defeated in over 50 years, since Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo and the victory boosted morale in the region.
What you may not know is that The United States had a vested interest France's defeat by Mexico. In 1862, the Civil War was devastating the country. Abraham Lincoln feared that by joining forces with France, the Confederates could have the strength to win the war and secede from the Union. France felt threatened at Americas rate of expansion and had it defeated Mexico, would have likely aligned with the Confederates in order to form two lesser countries as opposed to a unified America.
So because Mexico defeated France on May 5, the Confederates could not join forces with the French, and ultimately lost the Civil War. Whew!
Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican "heritage," but much like Oktoberfest & St. Patrick's Day that equates to drinking copious amounts of the native drink. Today will be full Coronas, Dos Equis, tequila shots and margaritas. Considering what may have happened to our country and Mexico had the outcome been different, I think that's cause for a drink. Staying true to my Georgia roots, but still keeping with the theme, I'll have a peach margarita from Blockheads today to support the cause. Thanks Mexico. Salud!!
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