Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!

Yes, it's May 5. More importantly, it's Cinco De Mayo, a holiday that is cloaked in misconceptions regarding its origin. The common belief is that the occasion is a celebration of Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain. This is actually not the case. According to an article by Sonya Sorich, a journalist from The Columbus (Georgia) Ledger-Enquirer, Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated in September. Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla, which occurred on May 5, 1862. This win was a major step toward Mexican independence. Today, the holiday is more widely celebrated in America than in Mexico. Having grown up in Corpus Christi, Texas, Cinco De Mayo has always been a huge part of my life. Like Mardi Gras-- another Gulf Coast custom I became aware of early on-- Cinco De Mayo has become just another capitalistic excuse to party-- not that I'm complaining! So, pass the enchiladas, margaritas, and/or the Cuervo Gold! It's Fiesta Time in the Ashleyverse! (Note: I'm going to delay Ashleyverse Cinco De Mayo festivities until the weekend. I have to work at both jobs all afternoon and evening today and won't feel much like partying when I'm done.)