What is Cinco de Mayo? Why is it Important?
If you live in the United States, then you have likely heard of Cinco De Mayo, whether you have actively celebrated it or not. For many Americans, this annual holiday makes them think of favorite cervesas and margaritas, spicy foods, sombreros, mariachis, and other elements of Mexican culture. However, have you ever stopped to think why this day is celebrated? Cinco De Mayo (Spanish for the fifth of May) has been celebrated on May 5 each year since the first time in 1863 California.
The History of Cinco de Mayo
In 1861, the president of Mexico suspended Mexico’s debt payments to France and Napoleon III responded by invading with French troops. The Mexican forces were outnumbered by two French soldiers to every Mexican soldier, and the French were better equipped. Nevertheless, on May 5th, 1862, Mexico celebrated a major victory at the Battle of Puebla, galvanizing the country.
Mexican Americans living in California that year heard news of the great triumph at the Battle of Puebla. They began celebrating the anniversary of the victory as a money raising effort for the ongoing war.
The war lasted five years and the ultimate defeat resulted in French occupation and Maximilian I being installed as emperor. The Mexican Republic regained control of the country, ejecting the French, and executing Max in 1867.
[To resolve any last questions: Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821.]
(With thanks to Ilaria Parogni, NYT 5/5/22)
The Celebrations!
In Puebla, both a large state in east-central Mexico and the name of the country’s fourth largest city, May 5th celebrations are fervent and extravagant and include re-enactments of the battle. Outside of the country, May 5th initially became a day for Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage, democracy, and opposition to white supremacy, especially in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The party was brought to the American South by supporters of dictator-in-exile Porfirio Diaz who ruled Mexico intermittently between 1876 and 1911. (He had been a general in the Battle of Puebla.) Into those early years of the 1900s, the holiday was not widely celebrated outside of Mexican communities in America.
With the development of a Mexican American civil-rights movement in the 1940s, the celebration became a festival used by activists to energize pride in the culture of the homeland.
It was in the 1970s that brewing companies began to capitalize on the rising popularity of Mexican restaurants and use the occasion to pump up beer sales. By the 1990s, the focus had shifted almost entirely to cervesas, tequila, and Mexican food. The Battle was largely over. And the Party, as we know it, got started.
Honor Mexican Pride & Resilience with Us!
Celebrate the day with us this year on May 5th here at Tortilla Flats with a special menu, lively drinks, sensational desserts,
and more – in a fiesta atmosphere! Discover more information about our special Cinco de Mayo Menu here,
If you would like to reserve seating for six or more, give us a call at (831) 476-1754.
Questions for us? Send us a message, and someone will respond as soon as possible.
We are Tortilla Flats, a proud Mexican restaurant in Soquel Village, CA.
From the entire team: Happy Cinco De Mayo! ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Saludos,
The Tortilla Flats Family
In case you missed it….
We have exciting news! Our new menu is here, bursting with classic local favorites and tantalizing new flavors! Come try our sizzling fajitas, mouth-watering street tacos, and hot and tangy sopa lima. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, there’s something delicious waiting just for you.
Tortilla Flats features the BEST Margaritas in the county and over 60 Tequilas and Mezcal.
We have a full bar as well as “The BEST Margaritas in Santa Cruz County”!
🎉🌮🍹
