More Than Margaritas: The Real Story of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo often arrives with the usual fanfare. Margaritas, music, tacos, and bright decorations. But behind the festivities lies a powerful piece of history that too often goes untold.

The Real Story of May 5th

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862, during Mexico’s struggle to recover from political instability and foreign debt. At the time, France, under Emperor Napoleon III, sought to expand its empire into the Americas by invading Mexico.

The French army was one of the strongest in the world. But in Puebla, a small and outmatched Mexican force led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defied the odds and defeated them. The battle did not end the war, but it became a powerful symbol of resistance, resilience, and national pride.

Why It’s Celebrated in the US

While Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in most parts of Mexico, it has taken on a larger meaning in the United States, especially among Mexican American communities. There, it is a celebration of cultural identity, heritage, and the ongoing fight for dignity and recognition.

So What Does That Mean for Us in Puerto Rico

Let’s be honest. This is not our holiday. But here on the island, we are known for celebrating just about everything, especially if there is music, good food, and an excuse to gather with friends. Cinco de Mayo may not be part of our history, but we can still appreciate its spirit. And enjoy the tacos and margaritas while we are at it.

Celebrating With Meaning and Flavor

If you are planning to mark the day, here are a few ways to make it more meaningful:

• Learn the history. It is a story of courage that deserves to be remembered.
  
• Support local businesses. Whether it is a taquería, food truck, or community event, your support helps keep culture alive.
  
• Try traditional dishes from Puebla. Go beyond the basics with mole poblano, cemitas or chiles en nogada (recipe below).
  
• Celebrate joyfully but respectfully. Embrace the fun, but skip the clichés. Culture is not a costume. It is a legacy.
  

Cinco de Mayo isn’t just about the party.  It’s about remembering a moment when a small community stood together against impossible odds. And if we can honor that spirit while sharing tacos and raising a glass with friends? Even better.

Check out our Facebook and Instagram to catch all the local Cinco de Mayo happenings.

Bonus Recipe to try at home

Chiles en Nogada (Serves 6)

This elegant dish from Puebla features stuffed poblano peppers topped with creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. It is said to represent the colors of the Mexican flag and is often served during special occasions.

For the filling

• 1 lb ground pork or beef
  
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
  
• 1 pear, peeled and diced
  
• 1 ripe plantain or peach, diced
  
• 1/4 cup raisins
  
• Salt, ground cinnamon and a pinch of clove
  

The chiles

• 6 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded
  

For the nogada (walnut sauce)

• 1 cup walnuts, soaked and peeled
  
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
  
• 1/4 cup queso fresco
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
• Pinch of cinnamon
  

To garnish

• Pomegranate seeds
  
• Fresh parsley
  

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the meat and cook through. Stir in the diced fruit, raisins and spices. Let the filling simmer gently.
   
2. Roast the poblano peppers, peel them and remove the seeds.
   
3. Stuff each pepper with the warm filling.
   
4. Blend all the nogada sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or texture if needed.
   
5. Place the stuffed peppers on a plate, pour the walnut sauce over the top, and garnish with pomegranate seeds and parsley.