Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5th, in the US and parts of Mexico. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day rather a commemorative victory for Mexican militia over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

It is celebrated with fiestas in parts of Mexico, you can see the famous Mariachi bands, parades and folk dancing. Here in the US it’s a celebration, with an emphasis on Mexican beverages, music, and food.

Margaritas and beer seem to be the drinks of choice. Some of the foods associated with Cinco de Mayo are salsa, chips, tamales, empanadas, plantains, flan, and guacamole.

Guacamole originated with the Aztecs in Mexico during the 16th Century and is still enjoyed today. Guacamole pushed avocado sales to 30 million pounds on 2 days a year, Superbowl Sunday and Cinco de Mayo. Wow, we eat a lot of guacamole!

Want to try a new version of guacamole?  Add crab meat, sundried tomatoes, and goat cheese.