What Is Cinco de Mayo? History, Facts, and Recipes To Celebrate
Learn the history behind this famous day in May, and enjoy 2 sweet treat recipes to celebrate!
Cinco de Mayo literally means “the Fifth of May” in Spanish, and is a relatively minor regional holiday celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico.
The History of Cinco de Mayo
On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces under the command of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza SeguÃÂn defeated French invaders at the Battle of Puebla. The victory was remarkable, because the French army, which hadn’t been defeated in nearly 50 years, was better equipped than SeguÃÂn’s army, and outnumbered the defending Mexicans two to one.
Despite the historical importance of this event, Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico. Ironically, though, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has become a day for general celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, in much the same way St. Patrick’s Day has become a day to celebrate Irish culture.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, an important day in Mexico, which actually falls on September 16.
Here are some spicy dishes to help you celebrate:
Mexican Brownies
Ingredients
- 18-19 ounces Brownie Mix
- teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease 8-inch square pan.
- Prepare brownies according to box directions.
- Stir in spices and mix well until well blended.
- Pour into baking pan and bake 25-30 minutes (or recommended time on box).
- Remove from pan to allow brownies to cool.
- Slice and serve.
Dessert Empanadas
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 package cream cheese (3 ounce)
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fruit preserves (jam)
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Cream butter and cream cheese together until smoothly blended. Beat in the flour.
- Shape the dough into a smooth ball, wrap in foil or cling wrap, and refrigerate overnight or up to 7 days.
- When ready to bake: Remove dough from refrigerator 30 minutes before you are ready to use it.
- Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough thin.
- Cut with 3 or 4 inch round cookie cutter.
- Place small spoonful of jam in center of each round, moisten edges with water. Â
- Fold round over and press edges together to make a half-moon.
- Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 15 to 20 minutes.
- Immediately roll in sugar mixed with cinnamon (traditional) OR in confectioners' sugar if preferred.
Jaime McLeod
Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.
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