In a new poll, 39% of Americans say it’s “Mexican Independence Day” . . . 26% say it a celebration of Mexican-American culture . . . 13% say it’s just a fun excuse to drink . . . and another 13% admit they have no clue what it’s all about.
NONE of those things are correct.
Just 10% of people know the correct answer: Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5th, 1862 . . . 163 years ago.
Here’s a history lesson: The battle itself was not a major strategic win, and the French took control of Mexico two years later . . . but it was a major morale boost for the Mexican resistance, and it helped them to gain an alliance with the Americans to eventually force the French to withdraw.
(Historians believe the French would’ve backed the Confederacy during America’s Civil War, so Mexico’s resistance likely changed the history of the United States.)
Back to the poll . . .
70% of Americans plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and most plan to do it by eating Mexican food . . . drinking margaritas . . . or sipping on Mexican beer.
20% say they will celebrate Mexican culture . . . 14% say they’ll “have a house party” . . . 8% will read up on Mexican history . . . and 8% say they’ll go clubbing or bar hopping. (Which I guess celebrates Cinco de Mayo?)
By the way, Google Trends put out a map of the “most-searched” Cinco de Mayo cocktails. The Western and Southeastern states were looking up margaritas, and Middle America was searching for Micheladas. The Midwest was mostly searching for Palomas and Pina Coladas. But Ohioans want a Tequila Sunrise.
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