Although Saturday is not an official holiday, it is a good time to celebrate and pay homage to our neighbors south of the border. Here in South Florida we are especially fortunate to have many Mexican neighbors and to join with them in commemorating Cinco de Mayo. Although Saturday is not an official holiday, it is a good time to celebrate and pay homage to our neighbors south of the border. Here in South Florida we are especially fortunate to have many Mexican neighbors and to join with them in commemorating Cinco de Mayo. It took place in 1862 during negotiations for the treaty of the Great Soledad.
Most people think that the holiday marks the Mexican Independence Day.
However, the Mexican-American community adopted the holiday because they were excluded from Mexican Independence Day celebrations held Sept. 15 and 16. General Zaragoza became their hero because he hailed from a town in Coahuila that is now in Texas. Whatever the origin of the holiday, it is a splendid excuse to have a Mexican fiesta, either at home or at numerous Mexican restaurants. Mexican food is relatively simple to prepare and it is one of the healthiest cuisines available. Mexicans use fresh foods that have not been processed and contain no dyes, preservatives or additives.