How has the start of May been for you so far? We have been enjoying the bank holiday weekend in the UK, as well as Cinco de Mayo celebrations with family and friends. Cinco de Mayo is all about the Mexican’s fight against the French, in a war to defend it’s sovereignty. In loose and very brief terms, Mexico owed a debt to the European governments, due to the country being in a poor financial state. During this time, a war broke out with Britain and Spain eventually negotiating terms with Mexico. France however, then ruled by Napoleon, wanted to use the time as an opportunity to gain an empire.
In Napoleon’s mission to create a dependent stronghold due to the debt which Mexico owed to France, the war lasted for 6 years yet when nearly 500 French soldiers died in the battle compared to 100 Mexican troops the Battle of Puebla (as it is otherwise known), came to an end under General Ignacio Zaragoza’s leadership. Cinco de Mayo is now a national holiday and a time of celebration for Mexico; it is a time of remembrance for those that died to save our sovereignty but also for remaining strong as a country at a difficult time and coming together as a people, even under the most trying circumstances. It is not to be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which falls on the 16th of September.
Try Great Mexican Food
The celebrations go beyond Mexico, with many American and Canadian shops, restaurants and deli’s making the most of the occasion and the opportunity to cook up some wonderful dishes and serve a variety of Mexican flavours at the same time. As a people, Mexican people are humble and take pleasures in the important things in life. Eating great food at times of celebration like this, is a big part of our culture.
If you’re out and about and looking for tasty Mexican food to try, then you can enjoy a range of foods from outlets like Wendy’s, El Fenix, Hungry Howie’s, Überitto, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant and many more besides. If you’re in the UK, then you can also try Santo Remedio, Corazon, Gaucho Piccadilly or Wahaca, the latter has branches throughout the UK.
Cooking with Mexican Flavours
If you have missed the Cinco de Mayo celebrations but still want to add some spice to your days or perhaps a party, then you can cook up some wonders at home – there is always a time for eating affordable Mexican street food and cuisine. Take a look our YouTube videos here for some inspiration and get started on your meal preparations and shop. If you don’t have all the ingredients to hand, try our hot chipotle sauce.
Why not add a little Latin American music to the mix too and really get the party started? There’s nothing better than putting on some lively Mariachi music, grab a salted watermelon margarita and chow down on a few quesadillas and burritos. We can think of no better way to spend the evening!
