First things first: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day (that’s September 16). The holiday celebrates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and, outside of Puebla, it’s not really a big holiday south of the border. So, how did a 19th-century battle in Mexico become a major celebration in the United States? During the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 70s, Mexican-American activists embraced Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of Mexican cultural pride. In the 1980s, Cinco de Mayo became more popular in the U.S. as alcohol companies launched marketing campaigns to sell beer, wine, and tequila. Today, the holiday is celebrated across the country with parades, mariachi music, and traditional Mexican dishes.
Mexican cuisine is all about the interplay of vibrant, lively flavors. Spicy, savory, and sweet notes can commingle in the same dish for a delightful gustatory experience. Mexican food’s complex flavor profile comes in handy in other ways, too. If you’ve made a dish too spicy, add a squeeze of lime, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of sugar for balance and palatability.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some of our favorite sips, dips, and sides.
