CINCO DE MAYO

BY ALLYSON JONES

Many believe Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “Fifth of May”) celebrates Mexican Independence Day. However, the holiday originated in 1862 – more than 50 years after Mexico declared independence from Spain – when a small Mexican army defeated elite French forces during the First Battle of Puebla.

In 1861, while the United States was engaged in the Civil War, Mexico was bankrupt and trying to recover from its own Reform War, according to History.com. The country defaulted on loans to several European governments, and although Britain and Spain were eventually willing to negotiate, Emperor Napoleon III, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, saw an opportunity to create an empire in Mexico which could also provide guns to the Confederacy in exchange for scarce Southern cotton. A large French fleet stormed the port city of Veracruz later that year and pushed the newly elected President Benito Juarez and his government out of Mexico City.

The First Battle of Puebla was largely a symbolic victory and Mexico lost the Second Battle of Puebla, as well as the war with France.

Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian von Habsburg was installed as the Emperor of Mexico in 1864 and France occupied the country until 1867 when Prussia threatened to reclaim Alsace and Lorraine and Napoleon had to refocus military efforts and funding. At the same time, the United States under President Abraham Lincoln exerted diplomatic pressure on the French while providing military support in the form of weapons to Juarez. After the French left the country – and Ferdinand Maximilian was captured and executed – the first Battle of Puebla became a symbol of Mexico’s resistance to foreign domination.

Historically, Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico are limited to the state of Puebla and feature military parades, speeches and battle reenactments. In 2012, according to Insider.com, the International Mole Festival was incorporated into the event to honor Mole Polbano, a dish which originated in Puebla.

In the History.com article “How Cinco de Mayo Helped Prevent a Confederate Victory in the Civil War,” author David Roos claims “the critical timing of the French defeat at the first Battle of Puebla was not lost on Mexican-Americans and other Latinos living in California, many who had flocked to the state during the Gold Rush.”

Spanish newspapers in 19th-century California showed Mexican immigrants celebrating the holiday as early as 1862, gathering in Juntas Patrioticas (“Patriotic Assemblies”) in California and Nevada “to celebrate both the surprise victory at Puebla and what it meant for the Union cause. With 129 locations and 14,000 members in California alone, these Juntas Patrióticas started meeting monthly in 1862. There would be two or three energetic speeches extolling the heroism of Zaragoza and his outgunned troops and denouncing the pro-

slavery Confederates who would take away their rights.”

Annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations continued uninterrupted in Los Angeles, although the original history of the holiday was lost. According to Insider.com, “by the 1930s the holiday became an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity, promote ethnic consciousness and build community solidarity.”

Today, the 5th of May is a chance for all to savor the flavors from south of the border while raising a glass filled with specialty tequila or imported cerveza. Luckily, there are plenty of places on Hilton Head to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or enjoy a great Mexican meal any day of the year.

“No siesta, we fiesta!” is the motto at Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Café on Pope Avenue, an Island mainstay since 1988. Open daily for indoor and covered outdoor dining, Aunt Chiladas serves up a variety of Tex-Mex and Mexican appetizers and main dishes, such as Southwestern Egg Rolls, Auntie’s Loaded Queso, Nacho Average Nachos, Chunky Guacamole, Taco Salad, Chicken Tortilla Soup, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas and tacos which can be washed down with a variety of specialty margaritas and cervezas.

Those who prefer seafood or American fare will find Fiesta Calamari, grilled wings, salads, Auntie’s Crab Bisque, Lowcountry Boil, burgers, chicken fingers and a fried seafood platter, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options, on the extensive menu.

At press time, plans had not been finalized for Cinco de Mayo, but parties in the past have included live music throughout the day, food and drink specials and giveaways. Aunt Chiladas is open daily with Happy Hour at both the inside and outside bar, a kid’s menu, seasonal entertainment, take-out and delivery. (843) 785-7700 or auntchiladashhi.com.

Across the street, Amigos Café y Cantina has been serving award-winning food inspired by the Gulf Coast of Baja, Mexico to the seaside community of Santa Barbara, California for 25 years.

Carolyn Baltz, former co-owner of Market Street Café, purchased the restaurant last July and is carrying on the longstanding tradition of food prepared fresh daily using the finest ingredients available, served by friendly people in a clean, comfortable atmosphere.

From Chips, Salsa and Queso Dip, BBQ Chicken Salad and Shrimp Ceviche to the authentic Baja Fish Taco, Killer Burritos such as the original Low Country Oyster Burrito, or the famous Pork Carnitas, nothing on the Amigos menu disappoints.

Soft drinks, American and South of the Border cervezas, vino and World-Famous Amigos Margaritas made with a choice of Jose Cuervo Gold or 1800 Coconut Tequila are available from the Cantina.

In years past, the line at Amigos to celebrate Cinco de Mayo stretched around Circle Center and Baltz plans to continue this tradition in 2021. Amigos Café y Cantina is open MondaySaturday from 11a.m.-8:30 p.m. with Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. (843) 785-TACO or amigoscafehhi.com.

Buen Provecho!