Cinco de Mayo, a brief history

We have all grown to love Cinco de Mayo. It's a great reason to party, right up there with New Year's Eve, Independence Day and Halloween.

But as with many aspects of post-modern American culture, we tend to lose sight of the true meaning of the traditions and observances and focus to much on the candy-colored surface.

So here, in another public service (especially for you other pale faces), I offer a brief history of the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo as presented by Universidad Vera Cruz history professor Phillipe U'Hoff.

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.

Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.

The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.

What? You expected something educational from me?

tagged: Cinco de Mayo, history, culture, humor, May 5