Your Trip, Our Expertise.

menu

3 Reasons To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Today is Cinco de Mayo (May 5), which commemorates the great Mexican victory over France during the Battle of Pueblo (1862). Around most of the southern and coastal states in the USA and in Pueblo, Mexico, you will find throngs of people drinking tequila, eating enchiladas and preparing for a night of fiestas.

But what is Cinco de Mayo about?

Here is the short version: 149 years ago, Mexico owed the French some money after their struggle for independence from Spain ended, which was followed by a costly civil war.

So France sent 6,000 soldiers to the Gulf of Mexico, ready to stake their claim on some land. They set off and marched until reaching Pueblo, only to face a far smaller, less-armed Mexican army who were not prepared to roll over. After a long and bloody battle, the Mexican contingent were victorious, which is why people celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

So, to join in the celebration, here are our Top 3 Reasons To Be Thankful For Cinco de Mayo

3. Cowboys wearing berets instead of ponchos wouldn't look right. Just imagine Clint Eastwood in a beret saying "allez-y, fais-mois plaisir" ("go ahead, make my day").

2. Tequila tastings would not be the same if you were expected to smell it, then take a mouthful and swirl it around in your mouth while you savour the taste.

1. Nachos with melted camembert, steak tartare and frogs legs wouldn't go down so well.

Side note: A short while after Cinco de Mayo, the French army came back and had their way with Mexico, but by that stage America was ready to lend a hand and save Mexico from becoming a French speaking nation forever.

more blog posts

Clayton Truscott

Clayton Truscott

Clayton is a comfortable traveller, having grown up in a small city that was far away from everything. He spent lots of time in the car as a child, driving up and down the coast of South Africa on surfing trips with his family. After studying abroad in the United States and spending a year working in London, he moved to Cape Town, where he completed a Master's Degree in Creative Writing. He now works as a freelance writer for various travel, surfing and action sports publications.