It was May 5, 1862 when the Mexican militia defeated the French at Puebla, Mexico. This victory eventually led to the unifying of the Mexican people. This is not their day of independence, but rather a successful effort toward driving the French from their country. Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16.
Mexico and the U. S. are forever bound together, just as the U.S. is with our northern neighbor, Canada. Our people mingle, marry, have children, enjoy each others cultural roots, enhance each others knowledge and strengthen each others lives.
One of the things I thoroughly appreciate is the Hispanic influence in our culinary pursuits. How could we ever have not had salsas, guacamole and other dips, enchiladas, tacos, chili con queso, tamales, nachos, burritos, fajitas and quesadillas? To not have these as options on our table would be missing a real treat.
The mingling of cultures has led to completely new foods such as the famous and famously delicious "Tex-Mex" foods and "Cal-Mex" delights and "New-Mex" treats.
I am (not) sorry to admit it, but there are times when nothing else will satisfy but a delicious enchilada or taco. I'm just waiting for the day that medical researchers admit that hot chiles cure cancer - or something! How about you! ?
Actually, there are no specific foods associated with celebrating Cinco de Mayo (May 5). But Mexican holidays or celebrations bring a number of delicious foods to our minds.
What do people eat in Mexico?
The variety of food available in Mexico is huge, with unique dishes for each region as you move from the north to the south, east to west, with many regional styles throughout, just as it is in America and, I suspect, throughout most of the world. There is no real official dish of Mexico. When asked, my hispanic friends just tell me everything is good. :-)
The corn tortilla is one food item that may be common throughout Mexico. Corn originates from Mexico and is still a main staple there, even though flour is becoming more and more popular. There are food stands everywhere in Mexico offering a variety of tacos, most still using corn tortillas. And corn tortillas are still made fresh daily in stores, bakeries and food stands in Mexico. So if Mexico did decide to have an official dish, it would probably be a corn tortilla taco.
Beef, chicken and pork dishes are popular throughout the Mexico, and of course fish is a main stay near Mexico's long pacific and caribbean coasts. You'll find vegetables of every kind and include the traditional beans, often served with rice. There is also a large variety of fresh salsas.
Think of your favorite Mexican-style recipes and beverages to celebrate the occasion. Some of the Cinco de Mayo Recipes on my website are most requested restaurant recipes all year long even though the drinks and dishes represent the Mexican culture. Certain recipes for food and drink will all but guarantee you a successful, fulfilling Cinco de Mayo party.
