What does Cinco de Mayo commemorate and why do we celebrate? This year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations will look wildly different from previous years, which were often marked by public gatherings at parks and local watering holes. But COVID-19 doesn’t mean people can’t celebrate the holiday at home (or over Zoom). Social distancing also provides the perfect opportunity to brush up on the history of the holiday. With that in mind, Fox News reached out to a couple of leaders in the spirits industry for more about the origins of Cinco de Mayo, and what it meant for the bartending business. And for those who long to celebrate with a cocktail, our experts have shared a few easy recipes you can make at home. Fox News: What does Cinco de Mayo commemorate? Jaime Celorio, CEO of Ambhar Tequila: Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla (the Mexican Army’s victory over France), but it’s really not a major holiday here in Mexico. It’s not even a federal holiday here. People in the U.S. sometimes mistakenly think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but that’s actually celebrated in September. For some reason, it has become such a popular time in the U.S. to drink tequila. Sonya Auvray, founder of Dona Vega Mezcal: Mexico had lost several wars during the 1800s, which led them to bankruptcy, and unable to fulfill loans from several European countries. Although the others accepted extensions (Spaniards and British), the French did not. May 5th marks the day of Mexico’s major victory over the larger, and more powerful French army in the Battle of the Puebla; when France sought both money and land as re-payment. Fox News: When is Mexico’s actual Independence Day celebrated? Celorio: Mexican Independence Day is observed on September 16. We celebrate with festive decorations and parades in town plazas across the country, and of course traditional foods and tequila. Fox News: What can you tell us about the history of Cinco de Mayo that many people may not know? Camille Austin, director of Advocacy for Abasolo Whisky: In Mexico, while Cinco de Mayo is celebrated regionally in the state of Puebla with parades, speeches and re-enactments of the 1862 battle, in other parts of the country the holiday goes largely unnoticed. Fighting in Mexico continued for many years after 1862, but this victory over the French army at Puebla became a true symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination and over the years. This day has become a way of encouraging pride in Mexican culture and heritage, all around the world. Click here for more: Salud!! 🙂 Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading... Related
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