Before I partake in a “mindful” celebration on this day, Cinco de Mayo, I would like to discuss the history of this nationally celebrated holiday.
Even though we will be celebrating it a little differently this year due to the pandemic, it is still a day to toast to margaritas and enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine. Of course, It is an exciting excuse to gather round every year with friends & family, but why? It’s a day that’s celebrated internationally but it’s popularity lies here in American culture so strongly. It was introduced to the U.S. as a national holiday celebrated in Mexico during the Chicano Movement in the 1940’s. Throughout the decades, Cinco de Mayo became more and more popular as a reason to pay homage to the Mexican heritage. Thanks to the Chicanos of the Southwest, paying homage to the holiday combined with the beauty of U.S. marketing between the 1980’s and 1990’s, we as Americans enjoy this festive day every single year since then. According to the Nielsen reports, in 2013, more than $600 million dollars was spent on beer by consumers in the United States alone for just this one day. Even though this number was extracted 7 years ago, this estimate is more than St. Patrick’s Day and even the Super Bowl. Cinco de Mayo is a special day for us Americans indeed but my husband Adrien and I wanted to hear our friend Pablo Gallindo’s thoughts.
Pablo, a family friend, fellow artisan, and bar industry professional who has worked with Adrien for a couple of years in NYC decided to leave for his home town in Mexico. After being away for almost a decade, like many of us who seek a change of pace, this store owner and entreprenuer chose to carry on his journey back home to his historical city. All the way from Puebla in his home town of San Francisco, we were lucky to get a hold of the ideal person to discuss the significance of “El Dia de Batalla de Puebla” also known as “The Battle of Puebla”. We got a tour of Mr. Gallindo’s mini mart in the old town as we virtually got up close and personal with the fresh local produce he offers as he gave us a mini history lesson. It was beautiful.
“So tell us about the battle of Puebla!” I eagerly asked.
Often confused by people; Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independance Day, let’s get that straight.
The Battle of Puebla which took place on May 5th 1862, was the victory of the Mexican army lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeating France as Napolean III ordered General Charles de Lorencez to lead their regime. Due to the reform war from 1858 to 1860, Mexico was in financial ruin and relied heavily on the monetary aide of France for support. In turn, Napolean III and the Tripartite Alliance (formed between Spain, The United Kingdom and France) demanded what was owed but not within reason as Pablo mentioned. In December of 1861, Spanish troops docked in Vera Cruz followed by the French and British as they imposed harsh demands on the Mexican government. For months of alleged harm imposed on the people of Mexico and negotiations turning sour, Napolean’s army was left behind as the others headed back home. The British and Spanish made peace and set sail East while General Charles de Lorencez led the French on an expeditionary force between Orizaba and Veracruz. Meanwhile, Mexican commander-general, Ignacio Zarazoga -Seguin had an advantage because Lorencez believed that the people of Puebla were friendly towards the French. The Mexican army got a whole lot of intel. And on the 5th of May 1862 it was proof that Lorencez dropped the ball here as he gave orders to attack from the north. Unfortunately his timing wasn’t ideal because as the French army executed two failed attempts in attacking Mexican forces, they ran out of ammunition and got tired. As a result, 172 of Lorencez’s men were killed against 83 Mexican soldiers. The Mexican soldiers were tactical in their defense as the French fell short and finally Lorencez withdrew to Zaragoza. This joyous day, was and is an inspirational time for Mexico. President Juarez declared the 5th of May to be “The Battle of Puebla Day” or “The battle of Cinco de Mayo” on May 9th 1862. And now we know why America spends $2.9 billion on margaritas alone in a year. Still, that’s a lot!!!
I asked Pablo if he was getting ready to celebrate today, “ It’s more of an observation but Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is just like any other day,” he replied.
Of course, there are some towns that do small processions and parades however it’s not comparable to the way we celebrate it here.
Mexican restaurants throughout the states would’ve all been packed and parties galore would be happening right about now if we didn’t have to endure confinement. Hopefully next year for 2021, we can celebrate the way it ought to! For now I’ll just enjoy my savory cilantro mezcal Tommy’s margarita and catch up with my brother from another mother.
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