Cinco de Mayo, translated in English as the “Fifth of May”, is a well-known holiday especially in Los Angeles, California. Of course, it is associated with the Cinco de Mayo parade, the drinks like the different types of margaritas, and Mexican Martini or the foods like Tamales, Pan de Dulce, Huevos Rancheros, Chiles en Nogada, Chalupas and Mole Poblano Chicken, to name a few. Aside from the great foods and drinks, most people probably don’t know the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo. Although, there is a misconception that the day is Mexican Independence Day, it is not.
It commemorates a single battle, the Battle of Puebla, between the Mexicans and the French. In 1861, a lawyer and member of the indigenous Zapotec tribe, Benito Juarez, was elected as the president of Mexico. He was unfortunately forced to default on debt payments to European governments due to the country being in financial ruin after years of angry and bitter disagreements over fundamental issues.
Napoleon III of France decided to exploit this opportunity to take the Mexican territory and sent 6,000 troops to storm Veracruz, Mexico. The French troops landed in Veracruz and forced the retreat of President Juarez to retreat. The only thing standing in the French’s route to the capital was the fortified city of Puebla. The Mexicans were not only outnumbered and had limited supplies. President Jurez gathered a small ragtag force 2,000 men and sent them to Puebla. On May 5, 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza overcame the assault by the French and forced them to retreat. The French lost approximately 500 soldiers compared to fewer than 100 men lost by the Mexicans. It was a symbolic victory for the Mexican government.
Since my blog is supposed to be about fitness and nutrition, you are probably wondering why the history lesson. History can not only be a learning experience but can inspire you to overcome overwhelming odds. We celebrate this and many other holidays which can be good for us to relax and de-stress. It is okay to let loose once in a while, but you should remember to only do this on rare occasions. Stick to your good nutrition and exercise. We have a tendency to only focus on the short term instead of looking at the big picture, how our daily routines affect us over time. This is just a reminder to stay focused. Have a great Cinco de Mayo.
