Cinco de Mayo: 5 Things You Should Know

There are some common misconceptions about Cinco de Mayo. Here are 5 things you should know about the holiday.
Cinco de Mayo: 5 Things You Should Know
Members of the Maru Montero Dance Company perform at the Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument during the 18th Annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival in Washington Sunday, May 2, 2010. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
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Cinco de Mayo, a day when Americans take advantage of alcohol and food specials.

Everybody seems to have fun, including companies, who make good money selling alcohol, and avocados for guacamole. In 2013, beer sales totaled $658 million, according to Marketplace.

However, there are some common misconceptions about the holiday.

Here are 5 things you should know about Cinco de Mayo:

1. Cinco de Mayo Is Not Mexico’s Independence Day

May 5, 1862, was the Battle of Puebla, in which French forces of Napoleon II were defeated by poor, indigenous residents of the Southeast state of Puebla. The conflict began because Mexico had declared a temporary suspension on debt repayment, which led to the English, Spanish, and French troops to invade the country. By April 1862 the English and Spanish had withdrawn, but the French refused. On Cinco de Mayo, about 1,000 French troops were killed and marked a symbolic victory for the country. However, France did not leave Mexico completely until 5 years later. The independence day in Mexico is September 16, and was marked 50 years prior to the Battle of Puebla.

Puebla, Mexico. (Google Maps)
Puebla, Mexico. Google Maps

First Lady Michelle Obama does a little dance after U.S. President Barack Obama joked with her during a Cinco de Mayo reception in the White House on May 5, 2011. Obama said "You do not want to be between Michelle and a tamale." (Roger L. Wollenberg-Pool/Getty Images)
First Lady Michelle Obama does a little dance after U.S. President Barack Obama joked with her during a Cinco de Mayo reception in the White House on May 5, 2011. Obama said "You do not want to be between Michelle and a tamale." Roger L. Wollenberg-Pool/Getty Images

5. Tacos Are Not the Only Cinco de Mayo Dish

Tacos are on special all over, but in Puebla the main dish is Mole (MOH-lay) Poblano. The authentic dish consists of a sauce made with three different types of Chile, spices, and a touch of chocolate, smothered over chicken or turkey. The centuries-old recipe for the regional dish is usually passed down from generation to generation, and everybody has a different take on Mole.

 

A plate full of traditional Mexican quesadillas, left front, Chicken in Mole sauce served with white rice and fried plantains, right, and rose petal ice cream. (AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz)
A plate full of traditional Mexican quesadillas, left front, Chicken in Mole sauce served with white rice and fried plantains, right, and rose petal ice cream. AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz