Happy Cinco de Mayo!  In case you haven’t noticed, this Mexican holiday has become more and more popular in the United States.  I have my suspicions that the bar and restaurant industries are behind it.  Sort of an excuse to sell margaritas and Mexican beer along with nachos and tacos.

Despite popular misconceptions, the 5th of May isn’t Mexican Independence Day.  That is September 16.  It also has nothing to do with Mexico and Spain.  It really isn’t a big deal in Mexico either.  I grew up in far South Texas, not too far from the Texas/Mexico border and Cinco de Mayo wasn’t anything except the day between Cuatro de Mayo and Seis de Mayo.

The Mexican state of Puebla celebrates the date.  They have something to celebrate.  The day is remembered for the battle of Puebla that occurred on May 5, 1862.  The Mexicans conquered the French.  It was really all about money. 

After fighting too many wars, Mexico was broke. (Sound familiar?)  They defaulted on their debts. Spain, Britain and France didn’t take kindly to this because they were all owed large sums of money.  All three countries sent their naval forces to Veracruz, but only Napoleon saw it as a chance to expand the French empire to Latin America.  He had big ideas for a little guy.

The Battle of Puebla was a source of Mexican pride because their smaller forces that were not as well equipped were able to beat back the French, if only temporarily.  France eventually regained control of the land and established their guy, Maximillian, as emperor.  The French maintained control until the United States ended their own Civil War and took a look south to see what was happening to their neighbor. Combined forces ejected the French.  And that was the end of European invasions into Mexico.

So how’s that for some trivia to share with your friends while you sip Margaritas and eat tacos.  Probably beats telling them about the thousands of dust mites, dust mite body parts, and dust mite feces that are lurking in their pillows and mattresses at home.  Who wants to think about that while they celebrate the holiday that really isn’t?

Til Next Time!

Cheryl
The Allergy Store