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Cinco
de Mayo (Spanish for 5th of May) is a date of great importance for
the Mexican communities. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army
over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is not, as many
people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is September
16.
In
the United States, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to be
known as "5 de Mayo". The city of Puebla, about two
hours south of Mexico City, is home to the original Cinco de
Mayo. Today celebrations are held in Mexico and in USA by
Mexicans and people with Mexican heritage.
This
holiday includes a celebration of Mexican culture, with food, music,
dances, drinks and customs of Mexico.
Parades
are held in the morning with marchers dressed as French and Mexican
generals and soldiers. In the afternoon, the generals and
soldiers will begin their "battle" with the Mexican
generals and soldiers winning.
The
celebrations continue into the night and children will be given
pinatas. The day ends with beautiful displays of
fireworks.
HAVE
A CINCO DE MAYO PARTY!
Make a piñata
out of papier-mache using an inflated balloon as the form. Decorate
the piñata in bright colors or shape it into the form of an animal
or other shape associated with the holiday, leaving an opening for
candy or prizes. Once the piñata is ready, hang it from a rope or
heavy string. Each person then takes a turn hitting the piñata
three times with a stick while blindfolded. When the piñata breaks,
everyone dashes for the candy or prizes that have fallen to the
floor.
Make a
maraca using two paper plates, dried beans, crepe paper streamers
and paint. Put a handful of dried beans in a paper plate. Staple the
other paper plate securely on top of it. Decorate the maracas with paint
and staple crepe paper streamers to the maracas.
PREPARE
MEXICAN FOOD AND DRINK:
Traditional
Sangria
Mexican Fondue
Fiesta Chicken
Mexican Bean Salad
Mexican Rice
More
Mexican Recipes
This article may be
re-published on your website as long as the following by-line is
included.
Copyright 2002.
Maggie Halliday is the founder and owner of International Woman, the
magazine connecting women around the world. Visit her website at http://www.internationalwoman.net
to find recipes, weddings, articles and much more!
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