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- On May 1862, the Mexican Army, against all odds, defeated the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. On Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the 5th of May), many Mexicans around the world celebrate their Mexican ancestry and people of all backgrounds can take the time to appreciate Mexican culture.

STEPS

  1/ Learn about the significance of Cinco de Mayo. Many people think it is Mexico's Independence Day, but that is on September 16. The Battle of Puebla was not a turning point in the Mexican and French conflict, as the French invasion succeeded the following year. Mexico was the underdog of the Battle of Puebla. The French Army was considered the greatest military force on the globe, having remained undefeated for 50 years. The Mexican forces were outnumbered (4,500 vs. 6,040) yet after being attacked, they suffered far fewer losses (83 Mexicans died, 462 French died) Talk about beating the odds!



2/ Indulge in Mexican cuisine. For a reliable experience, avoid Mexican fast food chains like Taco Bell and Pollo Loco. Go for an authentic Mexican meal, rather than Tex Mex ("Texas Mexican," or Americanized Mexican food). For example, did you know that nachos are rarely eaten in Mexico or cheddar cheese is not placed in tacos or tostadas? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Make chiles rellenos: This stuffed pepper dish originated in Puebla, and features chiles stuffed with cheese, vegetables, and meat, and covered in a flaky crust. Try to use Poblano peppers, which originated in Puebla.
  • Make mole sauce: There are many different kinds of mole sauce in Mexico, but the most popular ones are from the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. Ancho peppers, chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and bananas are all featured in different types of mole.
  • Make tamales: Although tamales are enjoyed throughout Latin America, they are especially popular in Mexico. A spiced meat mixture wrapped in masa and cooked in a corn husk, tamales are easier to make than you might think.
  • "'Try a tequila-based cocktail'": The plant from which tequila is made, blue agave, is cultivated (mostly) in Mexico. There are drink varieties you can make with tequila, such as a margarita or a tequila sunrise. A simple Cinco de Mayo cocktail consists of 2 1/2 oz. tequila, 1 oz. grenadine, and 1 oz. lime juice combined with ice in a shaker, strained into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnished with a lime.



 3/ Put up Mexican-style decorations.

  • Make a piƱata and use it as decoration or as a fun activity for the kids (and adults!).
  • Use the colors of the Mexican flag - green, white and red - on your clothing, accessories, or anywhere else you may find relevant.
  • Buy or make maracas. Shake them along to music.
  • Throw on a sombrero. Sombreros can be purchased at your local costume or party-supply store.


4/ Put on some Mexican music and dance. There is more to Mexican music than mariachi bands. Tejano (TexMex), banda (sounds like polka), Mexican cumbia, and all of these are fun to dance to. Get some CDs, look up some instructional dance videos online, invite the neighbors and have fun!




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