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Cinco de Mayo



May 5 has been celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico and in the U.S. since the late 1800's and literally means 5th of May.  When I lived in California I witnessed these celebrations but was clueless about what exactly was being celebrated.  At the time it appeared to commemorate the Hispanic culture from my POV, which is why it is celebrated in the U.S.   But I didn't realize it also marked the end of French occupation with a Mexican victorious battle that took place in Puebla on this date in 1862.  (Yes, just like New York, New York in the States., there's a Puebla, Puebla in Mexico.)  So apparently depending on where you live you may be memorializing something different.

From 1997 to 2003 I lived in Central California and learned to love Mexican food because it was very good and genuine.  At times it was downright exotic; I once ate fried grasshoppers and enjoyed them very much.  They reminded me of potato chips only with furry little legs.  

 Additionally I worked and lived near many folks with strong ties to the Hispanic culture and found how very family oriented they are, how caring for one another and how much they celebrate a joy for living.  These were things I did not experience anywhere else I've lived with such intensity.  So to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (which is a relatively minuscule event here in Canada)  I'll leave you with a few knitting photos:

From a 2006 Vogue Knitting magazine

Mariachi pooches in crocheted hats and ponchos, don't they look happy!
Today I will be thinking about the culture and friends I left in California as my own personal tribute to Cinco de Mayo.  The time I spent there has enrichment my life and is worth attention everyday not only on May 5.  Happy  Cinco de Mayo!
 
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