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Lots of people in the United States have heard of Cinco de Mayo. Some even look forward to celebrating it every year. Many, however, do not understand the history behind this Mexican holiday. If you ask the average American why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, they will tell you it is Mexican Independence Day. They are wrong. That actually falls on September 16.

During the 1950s, the United States had a program called The Good Neighbor Policy that encouraged Americans to reach out to our neighboring countries. Cinco de Mayo was first introduced to Americans at this time. In the 1960s, Chicano activists made the holiday more visible as a method to inspire cultural pride among Mexican-Americans.

By the 1980s, the holiday was slowly catching on. During this decade of commercialism, Cinco de Mayo was advertised as a great holiday to spend drinking the alcoholic beverages made by several American companies. These companies really brought Cinco do Mayo into the mainstream of American culture, although they diluted the true meaning behind it, which was to celebrate the Mexican victory over the French in 1862.

Becoming more of a mainstream holiday has exposed more Americans to the traditions of our Mexican neighbors. Their wonderful music, foods, and traditions have made their way into our lives. A large part of our society anticipates the Cinco de Mayo holiday each year.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is a terrific reason to treat yourself to Mexican culture. Partygoers can have fun dressing up in colorful costumes, decorate their houses with symbols of Mexico, and have a great time. Children hear about this holiday at school and share what they have learned with the family.

Some people throw big parties on May 5th. It's not a holiday reserved just for Mexicans anymore. All sorts of ethnic groups now jump on the bandwagon. Some groups even hold their own parades and festivals to add to the celebratory mood. In some places, the celebration has spread to immense proportions. New York, Port Huron, and Los Angeles are all home to huge Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

You can always stay home and celebrate with friends and family. To plan your celebration right, start thinking about how you can cook Cinco de Mayo food, find salsa music and supply fun and colorful decorations. Your private bash can become as fashionable as the community parties thrown around town can.

These parties are a great way to introduce yourself to new Cinco de Mayo recipes that may have piqued your curiosity. Call your family and friends over to break tortillas together. Tell them not to forget the salsa!

For those who want to enjoy the nightlife, check out the local Mexican restaurants to see if there is any parties in the works. You can always head out for a delicious meal, drinks, and salsa dancing to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. If you want a more peaceful celebration, cook up some tacos and throw Zorro into the DVD player. There is no rule that says you have to party to celebrate.

Which meats can you use for Mexican recipes? Will freezing peppers make them lose their spiciness? Find the answers to these questions and more at MexicanFoodRecipes.org, where you will also discover plenty of authentic Mexican recipes, easy Mexican salsas, soups and salads and more, which you can make at home.

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