Although I am not of Mexican heritage, I, like I’m sure many of you all, do partake in Cinco De Drinko. Err I mean, Cinco De Mayo. For as long as I can remember, my family and friends have celebrated the 5th of May with a plethora of chips and salsa, free sombreros from Mexican restaurants, and an endless amount of Margaritas, on the rocks WITH salt. We’ve been indulging in Mexican culture each year on this day because I mean come on, who doesn’t love an excuse to eat Mexican food all day and dance to mariachi music? We thought we’ve been doing it the right way; however, as the 5th of May crept up this year, I started to wonder: do people from Mexico, or of Mexican ethnic, actually celebrate by drinking margaritas, eating tacos, and partying until the sun goes down like us American folk? Spoiler alert: nope. There’s actually A LOT wrong with how we celebrate it in America. But not to worry, here’s a list of the biggest misconceptions and ways you can celebrate like some people in Mexico do! And before you get bummed out– their way involves drinking, too. Lots of it. Boy, I love the mexican culture.
Cinco De Mayo is NOT Mexico’s independence day. That’s on September 16th each year. This is probably the biggest misconception out there and I feel like if you’re going to celebrate, you should at least know what you’re celebrating. Cinco De Mayo is the commemoration of the small and surprising military victory over France during the Battle at Pueblas on May 5, 1862. It’s actually considered a minor holiday in Mexico, but it’s an important date because it symbolizes Mexico’s resistance to France.
Tacos are NOT the most popular food to eat on Cinco De Mayo. Instead, the most traditional dish is Mole Poblano. Mole sauce is made up of a bunch of different chiles, seeds, dried fruit, bread, plantains, and the most intriguing ingredient, chocolate! Head over to Tequila’s Town and definitely give their Mole Poblano a try if you really want to do the holiday right.
Margaritas are NOT the traditional drink of the day. Okay, I’m going to be honest, this one upsets me. Although instead, we can indulge in more classical Mexican beverages like for example, a margarita-like cocktail called Palomas, which is tequila, grapefruit, lime & soda; the milky fermented sap from a maguey cactus called Pulque, which apparently makes your body feel drunk, but your mind stay crystal clear and that makes it all the more intriguing; and lastly, a beer cocktail called Michelada, which is made with beer, lime juice, tomato juice, and sometimes a bit of clam juice, too!
Now one thing we do get right in America is the sombreros, dancing, parades, and the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Mexican culture. So, gather your friends, hit up a Mexican restaurant, order a Mole Poblano and a Michelada, and do Cinco De Mayo the right -and safe- way!