What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? It is an annual celebration held in Mexico and the United States. The day commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The holiday has become an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Many people in the U.S. have adopted the holiday as their own. In recent years, Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular in the U.S. Now it is celebrated with a variety of activities like parades, parties, and food. But one of the most popular ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is with funny memes.
In this article, we take a look at what this holiday is, the music that comes with it as well as take a look at some of the funniest Cinco de Mayo memes out there.
What is Cinco De Mayo?
Cinco De Mayo meaning
When is Cinco De Mayo? The holiday is celebrated annually on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla and its literal translation is “Fifth of May”. The day is commonly mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, but in actuality, it celebrates a single battle.
Cinco De Mayo History
In 1862, France, under the rule of Napoleon III, invaded the Mexican town of Puebla de Los Angeles due to Mexico’s inability to repay its debt to European governments. Despite being greatly outnumbered, the Mexican army was triumphant in their battle against the French.
Unfortunately, this victory was not long-lasting as France went on to occupy Mexico for several years afterwards. Nonetheless, Cinco de Mayo is still celebrated in both Puebla and by Mexican-Americans living in the United States.
How is it celebrated?
In Puebla, thousands of locals come together for a grand parade, donning costumes to emulate French and American soldiers in order to commemorate the war. The day has become increasingly commercialised in the US and is now celebrated with Mexican food, music, culture, traditions and tequila.
Additionally, bars across London seize the opportunity to host events with discounted Mexican-inspired cocktails.
Why is Cinco De Mayo celebrated in the United States?
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo 2022 is widely recognized as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. This holiday was brought to light by Chicano activists in the 1960s as a way to honour the Indigenous Mexicans who won the Battle of Puebla against European invaders.
Celebrations for this day include parades, parties, mariachi music, folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. The biggest festivals are held in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.
Traditional Cinco De Mayo food
Molé
Molé Poblano is celebrated as the official dish of Cinco de Mayo, honouring Mexico’s triumph over the French at the Battle of Puebla.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles were first brought to the United States in 1898, and they are a popular breakfast dish in Mexico.
Tamales
Tamales have been around since the beginning of civilization in the Americas and are one of the most iconic Mexican dishes. Traditionally, they were only served on special occasions, making them an ideal choice for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Carnitas
Carnitas have long been associated with celebrations and festivities. When they were first invented, it was a communal effort to make them – a true team effort!
Cinco De Mayo playlist
To make your Cinco de Mayo celebration Mexico complete, don’t forget to include some great music by Mexican artists! Our Cinco de Mayo playlist ranges from the classics of Juan Gabriel to the ever-popular La Bamba and even some exciting hip-hop from up-and-coming talent. Let the music set the tone for a fun and festive day!
Memes
Check out these hilarious Cinco de Mayo memes – perfect for sharing with your friends! Keep scrolling to find the most relatable ones.
Cinco De Mayo Decorations
Colourful dishes
If you’re looking to add some colour to your dining room, try setting out your most decorative dishes or purchasing several colours of disposable plates. Mix and match the colours around the table for a vibrant look before the meal is ready. This will create a fun and festive atmosphere in your home.
Maracas
Fill a basket with maracas and place it on a table for an attractive decoration. Not only do they look great, but you can have fun playing with them as well. Alternatively, tie fishing lines around the handles and hang them in the window to create a unique display.
Mexican Flags
Mexican Americans take great pride in their heritage, so proudly display the Mexican flag either inside or outside of your home. The flag is composed of three distinct colours: green, white and red. Hang it in a window or from a flagpole for the ultimate show of patriotism. To further decorate your home, create a beautiful tablecloth with fabric in these same three colours.
Sombreros
A Mexican celebration just isn’t complete without sombreros! To get the most impact, hang several of them on a wall. Wearing one yourself can instantly brighten up the atmosphere, so why not pass them out to your guests too? You can easily find inexpensive sombreros at party stores.
Summary
Be sure to drink in moderation, brush up on your Spanish from high school, and have fun! Happy Cinco De Mayo.
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