Atlanta Beer
Cinco De Mayo – Tequila, Mariachis, Chiles, Oh My!
It's time to party in the United States with the festivities of Cinco de Mayo in the corner. Thereby increase your tequila glass and Mexican-style rock out to celebrate the holiday that commemorates Mexico's victory over the French.
Cinco de Mayo is one of the most famous Mexican holiday in the United States, where many U.S. companies and restaurants are decorated in green, white and red, the colors of the flag of Mexico, to observe this important day in the traditional fanfare of Mexico. Although Cinco de Mayo celebrates the determination of Mexicans to remain free of foreign control, not independence Mexico the day.
HISTORY
Following the devastating loss of Mexican-American War in 1848, Mexico was defeated both financially and morally. In 1861, President Benito Juarez issued a moratorium on all foreign debt payments would be suspended for a period of two years. Furious and want to collect payment, England, France and Spain invaded Mexico.
Without the knowledge of other countries, France had its own agenda, ultimately aiming to impose a monarchical government upon the nations of Central and South America. Shortly after President Juarez offered a type of promissory note that guarantees debt payments after two years, England and Spain returned home, but the French continued their siege of Mexico.
On May 5 1862, Juárez commanded General Ignacio Zaragoza to block the advance of French forces in the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe near the city of Puebla. With only 2,000 men, most of them local Indians Zacapoaxtla Puebla region with no formal military training and small arms, the Mexicans were able to defeat briefly French army of 6,000.
The victory was short-lived, though soon after, France conquered Puebla and the rest of Mexico, ruling until 1867. Through a popular revolt, Juarez was finally restored to power, remaining leader of Mexico until his death in 1872.
BEYOND FIVE MAY
Cinco de Mayo was born in the central Mexican state of Puebla. Its capital city, also called Puebla, is one of the most impressive and oldest cities colonial Mexico. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique beauty, the historic center is a great ideal base for a tour of Five May.
While in Puebla, visitors can enjoy the Cinco de Mayo historic sites like the tomb and the monument of Ignacio Zaragoza, the general who led Mexico to victory over France. The site of the battle is also a popular destination, with a museum with an exhibition of hundreds of toy soldiers set up to show what happened that day. art exhibitions, concerts of classical and contemporary music of Mexico and a Mexican film series is also part of the attractions.
An annual parade is held down the avenue Cinco de Mayo and the holidays are a recreation of the famous battle. Men dressed as soldiers from France and Mexico and general and women wear the clothes of the "camp followers", the woman who cooked and cared for soldiers in wartime. In some representations, the Mexican soldiers carry former to machetes and rifles firearms, and French soldiers carry bags with wine bottles and fruit.
Puebla has much more to offer beyond their traditional Cinco de Mayo sites. Also worth a visit are the museums displaying archeological objects, paintings, railroad cars, and other historical treasures and shops specializing in Talavera pottery and traditional treats. Stroll through the neighborhood of toads to buy antiques and taste wonderful poblano dishes including mole and chiles in walnut sauce (in season) from a wide variety of restaurants.
Puebla State offers other beautiful cities to visit, in addition to its capital city. Cholula, located about 5 kilometers from the city of Puebla, has a very important archaeological site that includes the Great "Pyramid" (the Great Pyramid) also known as the Pyramid Tenapa, occupying more space than any other pyramid in the world. Built on top of the pyramid is the Church of Our Lady de los Remedios, which was completed in 1666. Its symbolic position is testimony to the role of the Catholic Church in the conversion of the natives.
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Usually held during the first week of May, Cinco de Mayo with carnivals, fairs and festivals in several days duration in the U.S. Below is a list of some of the biggest celebrations in the United States.
Albuquerque (New Mexico): May 5 – The capital of New Mexico, Albuquerque, will host a Cinco de Mayo with Ballet Folklorico. This group from the Mexican state of Nayarit, presents an enormous wealth of artistic tradition of Nayarit and throughout the Mexican republic.
ATLANTA (Georgia): May 6 – Considered the largest outdoor festival free of the Hispanic family, Fiesta Atlanta takes place in Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the day after Cinco de Mayo. More than 25,000 people are expected attend this event with a day-long celebration of Latino culture, music, food and crafts.
Austin (Texas): 3 to 6 May – The capital Texas city of Austin hosts the annual Cinco de Mayo Music Festival, a series of activities including Little Cinco, a Jalapeño Eating Contest, and dance competitions as Salsa, Jitterbug, Polka and more.
Charleston (South Carolina) – Charleston 's second edition of Cinco de Mayo Festival will be held on Cinco May, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston 7 to 11 pm. The celebration with an authentic mariachi band will also be performances DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove and professional salsa dancers and a variety of Mexican food, margaritas and beer.
Chicago (Illinois): May 4-6 – From Friday to Sunday, Plaza Garibaldi will be home to one of the five Festival in Chicago in May. With more than 25,000 people will attend this event in La Villita, sponsored Univision, is sure to be a successful holiday.
DENVER (Colorado): 5 to 6 May – Recognized as the largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the United States, the festival Denver is the maximum. Now in its 19th year, the festivities include the celebration of freedom and culture, Denverites enjoy six stages of live entertainment, dancing, food and crafts at the Civic Center Park. In addition, the celebration includes a special concert with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra among others, 4 May Cinco de Mayo Civil Rights Award event held (date to be announced).
El Paso (Texas): May 5 – The "Taste of the Border" festival featuring mariachis, margaritas, tequila and a mole extravaganza will begin at 3:00 and goes into the early hours of the night.
LITTLE ROCK (Arkansas): May 6 – Organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the 9th Annual Cinco de Mayo party was held at the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock. Miss Cinco de Mayo will be crowned at this event all day.
NEW BRUNSWICK (New Jersey): May 5 – With a variety of different foods from Mexico and musical talent is the Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in New Jersey, with the support of Mexico in American Joyce Kilmer Park.
NEW YORK (New York): May 6 – Organized by the Events Committee Patria de Casa Puebla Cinco de Mayo Festival in Queens. From 10 to 6 on Sunday, there will be a variety of musical talent, food and crafts in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
OAKLAND (California): May 5 – This traditional celebration which had over 100,000 attendees last year, Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale Festival & Parade, located in the Fruitvale district of Oakland. The family festival will feature entertainment stages, over 200 vendors, children's activities and arts and crafts.
Portland (Oregon): 3 to May 6 – Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a family oriented event full of fun with four stages of entertainment, activities charming children craftsmen and suppliers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Visitors can also enjoy the Third Annual Mariachi Festival, the ballet folklore and delicious food from some of the finest restaurants in the Northwest.
ST. PAUL (Minnesota): May 4-5 – Festivities include salsa contest tasting, a children's area, sports zone, craft vendors, a parade, an area of history and live music and entertainment, with a variety of Hispanic / Latino dancers, actors and musicians.
SAN ANTONIO (Texas): 4 to 6 May – San Antonio draws about 30,000 to its festivities with food stalls in the historic Market Square street dancing, crafts, concerts and other commemorations. Everyone from mariachis and folkloric dancers and Tejano groups together provide a lot entertainment activities.
SAN DIEGO (California): 5 to May 6 – Visitors will enjoy a weekend of festivities, including outdoor entertainment encyclopedia with over 200 artists in eight venues, over 100 booths also specialties handicrafts and a Mexican fiesta with a delicious variety of regional cuisine.
About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Tourism Board of Mexico (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico's tourism promotion agency, and its participants are members of private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
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Erick dryer
Mexico Tourism Board
312-228-0517
erick.laseca @ bm.com
http://www.visitmexico.com
About the Author
Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.
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