Happy Cinco de Mayo from San Diego Beer and Wine Tours!

May 1, 2015

It’s almost time for that most beloved of beery holidays, Cinco de Mayo. Whether it’s a reason to go party, or just to throw a backyard fiesta, we’re in your corner!

But we also wanted to share a little-known fact about Cinco de Mayo.

You probably are already aware that it’s not Mexican Independence Day, which a lot of people in the United States thought for years.  In fact, it’s barely acknowledged in most of Mexico.  It’s actually the day that the Mexican army beat back French forces, then thought to be the best in the world, during 1862’s Battle of Puebla.

This victory was a source of enormous pride for people in Mexico, but even more so for people outside Mexico – especially the many living in California. Californios began to celebrate May 5th starting the next year, even though in Mexico the day went almost completely ignored. Cinco de Mayo caught on throughout the rest of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, and is now even spreading back into Mexico.

In other words, like so many other good things in life, Cinco de Mayo is almost purely a Californian creation. That’s why a California craft beer (with tacos, of course) is the best way to celebrate this wonderful day.

We’ll be right there with you.

So, toma una cerveza and drink up.  Salud!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Brooke B., Californista

Tags: 5 may • beer • california • cinco de mayo • craft beer • history • may • May 5 • may 5th