So, this is a perfect transition from April to May, food! In April we looked at several local eateries, and in May we are solely focusing on Mexican restaurants, grocery stores, candy and snacks. Cinco
So, this is a perfect transition from April to May, food! In April we looked at several local eateries, and in May we are solely focusing on Mexican restaurants, grocery stores, candy and snacks.
Cinco de Mayo
In honor of Cinco de Mayo (or the Fifth of May), which also lands on a Taco Tuesday this year, we will be showing the country of Mexico much love all month long. For the longest time, I thought Cinco de Mayo was Mexico’s Independence Day, but it’s not! This day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, which, in 1862, was Mexico’s triumph over the French forces of Napoleon III.
Above photo: By Anonymous – http://www.inehrm.gob.mx/Portal/PtMain.php?pagina=exp-ignacio-zaragoza-galeria, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17387702
Cinco de Mayo is a loved holiday because it celebrates the underdogs. When the French sent their 6,000-strong, professionally trained militia to the tiny town of Puebla de Los Angeles in east-central Mexico, they were not expecting to be defeated by the rag-tag citizen army of 2,000 loyal towns men. However, this was the beginning of many battles, and once the Civil War in the United States ended in 1865, we could finally send some long-awaited help to Mexico to help defeat the European settlers, and force their retreat. Since this was an unlikely victory early on, it is looked upon as the foundation of Mexico’s journey to regain their own identity, and preserve and protect their rich cultural heritage.
Photo on the left: By SMU Central University Libraries – El cinco de Mayo de 1862 y el sitio de PueblaUploaded by PDTillman, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15531372.
Photo on the right: By Official White House photographer – [1]., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4004015
Second nature
And for the past eight years I’ve been surrounded by this colorful culture, engrossing myself in their customs. My husband is from Chihuahua, Mexico, and I have enjoyed learning about their food, snacks, and even beer. I even have my radio tuned to the local Spanish station out of South Sioux City. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with how the family unit is cherished.
What to expect in May
Now back to the food. All month long I will be featuring several Mexican restaurants in Sioux City and South Sioux City. In fact, South Sioux is even affectionately called “Little Mexico”, full of delightful little diners and grocery stores.
If you are unfamiliar with Mexican treats, bread and candy, well you are about to have fun discovering new flavor options. I can honestly say I prefer Mexican candy over American candy, and I definitely will choose, hands down, Mexican desserts over what any big chain restaurants have to offer.
Come with us, and bring an empty stomach! I promise it will be worth the wait.
Cover photo for this post: By Lsalgador82 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28244649