In the USA, May 5 is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo with food and drink but perhaps without any known connection to real events. In reality, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of Mexico over the French at the Battle of Puebla.

In 1861 Mexico announced they were unable to pay their foreign debts, leading to invasion by the English, Spanish, and French nations to regain their losses. The English and Spanish forces left quickly, but the French remained in an attempt to set up a ruling monarchy. The French were relatively successful until they reached the town of Puebla southeast of Mexico City. There they ran into General Ignacio Zaragoza and his Mexican army. Over 1000 French troops were killed versus around 100 Mexicans. By 1866, the French were gone.

This was a celebration of freedom and democracy over imposed rule by another nation, and Latinos in the US celebrated the victory in the same time frame as our Civil War, with its eventual victory of the North over the concept of slavery. Today, Cinco de Mayo is still celebrated in Puebla as a local event, but it has reached national proportions in the US with parties everywhere including Margaritas and Mexican foods.

If you live in the greater Bay Shore area, come celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Verde Kitchen and Cocktails. But you don’t have to wait until May to celebrate our great menu at Verde. Enjoy our beer/wine/tequila dinners, Sunday brunch, taco Tuesdays, taco-tasting Wednesdays, our daily lunch specials, and happy hour Monday-Friday starting at 3:00 PM and featuring special prices on Margaritas, beers, wine, mixed drinks, and 1/2 price tacos and quesadillas.

Come to Verde’s Kitchen and Cocktails on Cinco de Mayo and help us celebrate victory at the Battle of Puebla!

Lindenhurst Restaurant & Bar | Babylon Cinco de Mayo