Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for May 5th) has always been a big day in our house due to the fact our daughter was born on this day. And although I never really knew what Cinco de Mayo represented, we always added a Mexican flair to her party by hanging a piñata and dragging out the blender for margaritas (for the adults of course!).

Now that I have developed a love of all things Mexican due to our travel there, their holidays and traditions resonate more with me. Just like Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo is a day known for drinking, dancing and having a good time. Even President Obama held a pre Cinco de Mayo party at the White House a few days ago placing a spotlight on growing Mexican influence.

With Cinco de Mayo almost here, before you start your blender for your margaritas or you crack open a Corona, you might wanna make sure you know what you’re raising a glass to so here’s a quick history lesson (as I start my blender!)

• *Cinco de Mayo is celebrated each year on May 5 to commemorate the Battle of Puebla that took place between Mexico and the French army on May 5, 1862.
• *A small, poorly armed group of about 4,500 Mexicans men were able to stop the French invasion of a strong army of about 6,500 to 8,000 soldiers.
• *This Mexican holiday is often wrongly interpreted as the celebration to commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day which is actually on September 16th.
• *Originally intended to celebrate military victories, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture.
• *Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico but not celebrated widely thoroughly Mexico. It is actually celebrated more in the US!
• *The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the US takes place in Los Angeles, California. “Festival de Fiesta Broadway” attracts more than 600,000 people.
• *Ay Chihuahua! Nothing screams Cinco de Mayo like a bevy of tiny, feisty little dogs running around and barking! Due to the fact so many Arizona residents are of Mexican descent, this state loves to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Thousands of people attend the Chihuahua Races & Beauty Pageant which features Chihuahua dog races and the crowning of the King and Queen Chihuahua.

OK now that you’ve got your scoop on Cinco de Mayo, go crack that Corona now and raise your Mexican flag!

“PLAYA Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Getaways!) 

 salgal@playabeachcondo.com ~~~ PS Catch us on Facebook & Pinterest