5/03/2011

Happy Cinco De Mayo

Did you know that the 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day? The Mexican Independence day is actually September 16th. However arguably, maybe it should be! Did you also know that “Cinco de Mayo” is not an American holiday? That doesn’t stop many of New Yorkers flooding the streets on that day to enjoy the Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Mexico declared its independence from Spain on the September 15, 1810. My question to you all is why this day is commemorated so largely in the USA also? 4,000 Mexican soldiers overrun the opposing French and turncoat Mexican army in 1862. Five months earlier, the French, Spanish and English had invaded Mexico with the intent of collecting Mexican debts from a newly elected President. While the English and Spanish had conducted their business and soon left; while the The French leader Emperor Napoleon III attempted to stay and overthrow Mexico resulting in a bloody war known as the battle of Puebla that took place on May 5, 1862.

Ultimately the Americans joined in and behold Mexico had a solid defeat over the French.

So now you know a little bit of background about this day, you also know this is not a Mexican Holiday or an American Holiday; or even a Holiday at all. This is a totally made up day in America that is designed for consumers to go out and enjoy the festivities. So what will you be doing on this completely made-up occasion? It’s pretty safe to say that probably 99% of Manhattan Mexican restaurants will be having some type of fiesta or at least an extra special happy hour.

Just in case you can’t get any information on Cinco De Mayo events, you can always go to Uppereast.com and get a complete listing of events. Here are just a few to keep you partying:



Mad River Bar
1442 3rd Avenue
(Between 81st & 82nd St)
212-988-1832
Madrivergrille.com
$4 Margaritas, $3 Tequila Shots, $4 Coronas, $2 Nachos

Rosa Mexicano
1063 First Ave.
(At 58th St).
212-753-7407
Presenting their 9th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival, Thursday, May 5th. Enjoy live music, special menu and festive decor!

Maya
1191 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021
http://www.modernmexican.com/
Tel. 212-585-1818
Cinco de Mayo- Thursday, May 5, 2011 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
3-course Prix Fix for $50 per person. Specialty cocktails. Excludes Tax and Tip. Offer valid May 5, 2011

Cinco De Mayo At Grand Central Fair
43rd Street From Lexington - 3rd Ave, New York, NY, 11109
See event at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=208872975789639

Millesima
Cinco de Mayo wine tasting. An extensive selection of Burgundian Chardonnays from the Maconnais to Cote de Beaune regions. Some of the wines include: Macon-Lugny, Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligy-Montrachet and Meursault Premier Cru.
Thursday Mat 5th. This free event goes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
1355 2nd Ave., between 71st & 72nd Sts.

http://www.millesima-usa.com/



For a complete list of Mexican Restaurants visit http:http://www.uppereast.com/: http://www.uppereast.com/mexican-restaurants

2 comments:

Logo Design said...

I think it’s one of those things were people need an excuse to party. Think about how many people who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day that isn’t Irish. BTW, Colorado has the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration, outside of Mexico.

Lissa Grace said...

It sure is a reason for all the partying and for businesses to drag in business. Thanks for the comment :)