Cinco de Mayo

While some think of Cinco de Mayo as the Mexican equivalent to the United States' 4th of July, it's not, really. It's actually the celebration of the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French occupational forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While outnumbered nearly two to one by a much better equipped force that had known no defeat in almost fifty years, the Mexicans rallied and defeated the French in a day-long battle that ended in mud and blood, with French casualties outnumbering the Mexicans' by over five to one, a stinging defeat that reverberated around the world.
On September 16, 1862, then-President Juarez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday. It has since fallen by the wayside as a national celebration, and is not now even a federal holiday. Instead, it has become a day of celebration of Mexican heritage throughout the New World and elsewhere, much the same as St. Patrick's Day is for the Irish.

So, as you down that Corona or Dos Equis on May 5th, think of the battle that signalled the downfall of the French occupation and oppression in Mexico that began in 1838. Lift a glass to the brave souls who looked death in the eye and, against overwhelming odds, fought for their freedom. Salud!