Yahoo Lifestyle Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Coming up next weekend is the fifth of May. A seemingly insignificant day in most parts of Australia, however, in other parts of the world, namely the United States and Mexico, there will be a whole lot of celebrating.
Cinco de Mayo (literally meaning “fifth of May”) marks the day of an important historic battle. Back in 1862 the French sent about 6,500 soldiers to go settle their debts with Mexico and take control of the country. The Mexicans had a smaller militia, estimated to be about 4,500, and had little chance of victory. But miraculously, with their pitchforks and shovels and determination, they managed to defeat the French army, against all odds.
RECIPE: Mexican devilThe sense of pride and nationalism that rose from that day led to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo every year since. Today it is a celebration of culture, food, beverage, music and all things Mexican.
Cinco de Mayo is not a very widely celebrated in Mexico, where it is a regional holiday, celebrated mostly in the city of Puebla. However, it has gained unbelievable attention in the United States, due to the large Mexican population and love for Mexican culture there, and it just may be spreading to Australia as well.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo is not difficult. You generally need about five key things: Corona, guacamole, tequila, tacos and sombreros. The holiday is widely popular in the States and many restaurants and bars throw themed parties. While it is still mostly unknown in Australia, there are a few places that will serve you up a good bowl of salsa and provide a traditional mariachi band.
Attila Yilmaz, owner of one of the new Sydney food trucks, Al Carbón, is throwing a taquiza on Cinco de Mayo. A taquiza is basically an informal taco party, where you get together with friends and family and share an endless buffet of tacos. Combining this event with the shortly approaching launch of his food truck, Yilmaz will have his barbecue out ready to start serving the authentic Mexican tacos his trucks will provide. The party will be held at his space in Canterbury, La Lupita, and will also feature a live mariachi band.
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Residents of Brisbane can also get in on the party at the annual Cinco de Mayo Mexican Festival. The event will be held on Brisbane River and features a broad mix of Mexican beer and wine, live music and cuisine.
Popular Mexican fast food chain Mad Mex is also trying to get people a little more involved in the holiday. For the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo they will be serving a couple specials such as $5 Vegie Nachos and $5 Margaritas.
Or you can whip something up at home like Chilli con carne, Mexican pizza or Mexican bean tortillas. This holiday is all about enjoying the culture through food, drinks, music and company, so take the excuse to learn a bit more about another culture and indulge in some tasty tacos and tequila at the same time.
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