There are still a lot of misconceptions about Cinco de Mayo, but there is really no excuse to celebrate if you don’t understand the origins of the holiday. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Battle of Puebla is celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place, but is not celebrated across Mexico.
Many argue that the defeat of the French at Puebla prevented French support of the Confederate Army during the U.S. Civil War. While we can’t say for sure what would have happened if the Confederates had support from the French Empire, the Mexican victory proved a significant assurance to the Mexican Army. While the French Empire eventually defeated the Mexican Army, the Battle of Puebla showed everyone the power of the Mexican resistance.
Why We celebrate Cinco de Mayo in America
The Mexican Army was led by President Benito Juárez, a member of the Indigenous Zapotec tribe. Many of the Mexican troops who fought in the Battle of Puebla were Indigenous or of mixed ancestry. In the 1960’s, Chicano activists who identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans against the European invaders popularized the holiday in the United States. The celebration of Cinco de Mayo in America has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
It can be fun to explore other cultures and heritages as a family, but it is important to keep appreciation and understanding at the center. It can be easy to fall into the trap of using tokens, costumes or anglicized recipes to celebrate, especially with young children. Ditch the sombreros. Don’t be intimidated.
We have you covered with 5 family friendly ways to celebrate:
1. Celebrate Mexican Folk Art
The Mexican folk art is art by the people and requires no formal art training. Mexcian folk art includes a diverse collection of utilitarian pieces. The regional differences are apparent through the strong influences from nature, landscapes and religion. Mexican folk art has derived from many of the different Mesoamerican cultures along with Spanish, Arabic and Asiatic influences.
Because Mexican folk art is utilitarian it makes for awesome additions to your home. Please always buy from Mexican artisans to support local communities. These pieces can be displayed and used in your home all year long or you can buy papel picado to decorate for a holiday.
If you’re up for some family craft time there are a bunch of easy ways to bring the essence of Mexican folk art into the home. You can try making your own papel picado by folding tissue paper lengthwise two times and cutting designs along the folds. If you have made paper snowflakes, it is a similar process.
We love coloring so we made some Amate Paper Painting inspired bird art that included vibrant color, repetitive patterns and strong lines. This style is great for families because you can be as simple or complex as your skills allow.
2. Eat Authentic Mexican Food
I have been to Mexico a few times and I love a variety of Mexican food. The regional differences in cuisine offer so much diversity. This Cinco de Mayo find a local authentic Mexican restaurant (not tex-mex) and try Mole Poblano, which originates from the city of Puebla, or Enchiladas Poblanas that are made with poblano chile. Other dishes common in Puebla include pork barbecue, cemita poblana, molotes, memelas, tacos arabes, and chiles en nogada.
If you can’t find authentic Mexican food locally check out this Mole Poblano recipe from Mexico in My Kitchen. I love the pictures and details on all her recipes. We learned how to make aguas frescas from her site and LOVE making some on a hot day!
If you are short on time or have picky eaters try buying some foods that include flavors that are popular in Mexican cuisine or choose similar cooking methods. If all else fails get some of the amazing Mexican sweets like paletas, reganadas, flan, rice pudding or tres leches cake to name a few. The most important thing is that your family has a positive experience appreciating authentic Mexican 