Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is one of Mexico’s major national holidays, comparable to Memorial Day in the United States. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated to mark the proclamation of separation from Spain on September 16, 1810. The history of Cinco de Mayo is a little more complicated. The date marks the victory of the Mexican army over the French on May 5, 1862. What were the Mexicans doing fighting the French?

In the years following Mexico’s independence from Spain, the succeeding governments became increasingly corrupt and indebted to the great European powers, especially France. The French Emperor, Napoleon III, decided to collect the money owned to French investors by sending an army and installing an Austrian nobleman as the Emperor Maximillian of Mexico. Needless to say, this made the Mexicans very unhappy and they rose up in rebellion to overthrow Maximillian.

The Mexican people were led by an elected president, Benito Juárez, who has been compared to Abraham Lincoln. Benito Juárez is a fascinating person; a full-blooded Zapotec Native American, he didn’t speak Spanish until he was 12, yet became a practicing lawyer little more that a decade later.

The war against the French lasted until 1867, when the United States started supplying Mexico with arms and military supplies. The Emperor Maximillian was captured and executed by firing squad on June 19, 1867. Maximillian’s wife, known to history as Carlota la Loca (Crazy Carlota), lived in secluded exile for another 60 years, until 1927. How’s that for historical drama!

Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular in the United States due to the popularity of Mexican food and immigration. The holiday traditionally provides an excuse for enjoying an abundance of food and drink, very much like the Memorial Day weekend in the USA. Now Gringos and Mexicans alike can enjoy big holidays to open and close the month of May. Of course, Mexican traditional food includes a lot more than tacos and fajitas. Here’s a link to a website with some truly traditional Mexican recipes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo: What to Really Eat on Cinco de Mayo.

Carne seca, (dried meat, usually beef), plays an important role in Mexican cuisine. A popular, traditionally cooked dish called machacado is based on carne seca. Beef Jerky Outlet takes the concept of traditional jerky, prepared by a smoking or drying process, to a new level with over 100 varieties. Many of our flavors are inspired by South-of-the-Border spices and peppers. Honey Jalapeño Beef Jerky has really moved up on our Best Seller list. Don’t forget to stop by your local Beef Jerky Outlet store and stock up on your favorite beef, turkey and wild game jerky for Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day. Nothing goes better with Corona or Dos Equis that real beef jerky.