Hola amigos!
Last Sunday was ‘’Cinco de Mayo’’ (5th of May) a special celebration of the Mexican culture. So, you might wonder, what are the Mexicans celebrating?
Meaning of Cinco de Mayo
To make it clear ‘’Cinco de Mayo’’ is not our Independence Day, it’s an annual celebration held on May 5 (literally it is the same name).
On this day, we commemorate the Battle of Puebla where the Mexican Army’s won the battle of the French Empire of Napoleon III, in 1862. Puebla is one of the states of Mexico located in East-Central Mexico.
A little bit of History
Benito Juarez (President of Mexico at that time) announced that Mexico was not able to pay the debts to England, Spain, and France. The troops of the English, French, and Spanish army were ready to invade Mexico City. However, Benito Juarez made an agreement with the government of England and Spain, but the French remained and were ready to attack. The French army arrived at Puebla where the Mexican army commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza and his army (the majority of them were indigenous and unexperienced warriors) emerged victoriously.
Click here to find out more about the Battle of Puebla
Cinco the Mayo in Brisbane
Being away from your home country on special dates can sometimes be a little melancholic because Mexican families get together and prepare traditional dishes, drink tequila, laugh and have fun.
So, my Mexican friends and I decided to do some traditional food with 100% Mexican products that our families sent to us.
We prepared the following Mexican food:
- Mole verde con pollo (mole verde with chicken)
- Tacos de Cochinita Pibil
- Tacos de chilorio
- Arroz rojo
- Frijoles refritos (refried beans)
- Jalapeños en escabeche
- Salsa pico de gallo (special sauce)
- Guacamole
- Margaritas de frutos rojos
- Agua fresca de horchata (special water made by rice and oats)
- Cocadas (tradicional dessert)
- Ate de membrillo (traditional dessert)
After all, I felt like I was at home celebrating ‘’Cinco de Mayo’’ in Brisbane because of the friends I have here, they become like a family. We had a great time laughing, dancing and listening to Mexican music.
We are ready for the next celebration!
