Cinco de Mayo – Stikii Fiesta!

May 5^th, known to many as Cinco de Mayo, honors the Mexican army’s victory of France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This battle was extremely significant to the Franco-Mexican War. In Mexico, this is a minor holiday, but in the USA Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a nationwide celebration of the Mexican culture and history, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations! We did some digging on history.com and found some background information to share about the origination and traditions of this festive holiday.

On May 5, 1862, French troops led by General Charles Latrille de Lorencez set out to attack the small town of Puebla de Los Angeles, located in east-central Mexico. The French believed that their 6,000+ men would secure a victory in no time. Mexico’s then liberal president, Benito Juarez, rounded up a force of 2,000 loyal men and sent them to defend Puebla, even though they were enormously outnumbered and poorly supplied. Under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, the Mexicans prepared for the French attack. The battle lasted from dawn until the early evening hours when the French finally retreated after losing nearly 500 soldiers. Less than 100 Mexican men had been killed in the battle. The victory at Puebla, although not a major win in the scheme of the entire war, was a symbolic victory for the Mexican government and offered hope to its people. Six years later thanks to support from the U.S., the French finally withdrew and the Mexicans were triumphant!

In Mexico, the holiday is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where the victory occurred many years ago. Other parts of the country do participate in the celebration as well. Festivities include military parades, Battle of Puebla recreations, and more. It is not a federal holiday so many Mexicans treat May 5 as they would any other day.

In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo is considered a holiday celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. The occasion is marked with colorful parades and parties, ethnic mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, traditional feasts and more.

Food and beverage is one of the most predominant aspects of the holiday in the USA. Mexican fare is consumed in abundance, and all of it quite delicious. Spices, cheese, meats, peppers and beans are the staples of many Mexican recipes. Here are a few Cinco de Mayo favorite dishes you should add to your table this year:

Nachos
Tacos
Fajitas
Guacamole
Enchiladas
Margaritas
Salsa
Burritos
Churros
Tamales
SO MUCH MORE!!

Don’t worry; Stikii did not forget about their favorite little customers – the kids! There is something for everyone on Cinco de Mayo. Here is a list of fun activities for your children to help teach them the history and celebrate the great Mexican culture.

Piñata! – Piñatas can be purchased at most party stores. Fill one with candy and other small tokens, string it up and let the kids take turns trying to break it open! Don’t forget the blindfold!
Crafts – make your own maracas, sombreros, coloring pages, sand art, tambourines, etc.
Cook with your kids – find a simple recipe for one of the dishes listed above and make them together!

What would make the day extra fun for your little one would be spending it in some Stikiis! Tie on a pair of Righteous Red, or Groovy Green in honor of the colors on the Mexican flag!

Decorate the shoes with Stik-ems like Pita the Parrot, Tiana the Turtle (the national reptile of Mexico), Traveling Trevor (we bet he has been to Mexico), or Manny the Mustang (the first Mustangs descended from Iberian horses and were brought to Mexico and Florida)!