Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico. It is a holiday that can be observed voluntarily. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Ironically, Cinco de Mayo has little significance in Mexico these days, however in the US, it is a popular day for celebration. People celebrate the culture of Mexico, as they do the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day and Germans on Oktoberfest. Similar to those holidays, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origin.
Why not experience the culture first hand? There are some wonderful trips available to Mexico – our most popular vacations to the region visit the Copper Canyon. Larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, this collection of six canyons is sensational. Situated in the north of the country in the Sierra Tarahumara, the scenic railway journey through the Canyon is the best way to see it. You can also hike, bike, drive and horseback ride here. A new aerial tram and a network of ziplines have recently opened to attract tourists. Cruise ships calling at the port of Topolobampo on the Sea of Cortez offer day trips into the Canyon if you’re up for an early start to your day.
Other popular Mexico vacations:
Mayan Ruins – On the Yucatan Peninsula you can visit many fascinating sites of Mayan civilization. See the temples and pyramids of Chichén Itzá and the once flourishing, walled city of Tulum. You’ll come across smaller sites as well like the one on Cozumel. Take a tour to the ruins from your hotel or cruise ship when you visit Cancun, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Playa del Carmen and other spots along the Riviera Maya.
Sea of Cortez – This peaceful marine area between the Baja Peninsula and Mexico is teeming with sea life. It’s an ideal area for a variety of eco-adventures at sea and ashore from bird watching to observing whales. During Baja Mexico cruises, expedition ships offers Zodiac excursions into the Gray Whale breeding lagoons of the Bahia Magdalena. Or how about naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking? All are possible when visiting the region by land or cruise ship.
Take a look at our featured Central America/Mexico tours.
From tacos to tamales, margaritas to enchiladas, restaurants will be filled with those celebrating Cinco de Mayo. We hope you all have an enjoyable May 5th.
If you’re staying in, here are a few Cinco de Mayo Recipes you may want to try.
7 Layer Dip
Recipe Ingredients
1 – 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 package guacamole (Wholly Guacamole)
1 – 8 oz container sour cream
3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning packet
3-6 Tbsp Salsa (as desired)
1 Can of Re-fried Beans
Chopped Tomatoes
Chopped Avocado (optional)
Sliced Green Scallion Onions
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1. Soften cream cheese and mix well with package of guacamole.
2. Spread the Refried beans to the bottom of the pie plate.
3. Spread guacamole/cream cheese mixture on top of the beans
4. Mix sour cream with taco seasoning and blend well
5. Spread on top of guacamole mixture – if you still have beans left add another layer
6. Layer salsa on top of sour cream mixture
7. Layer chopped tomatoes, chopped Avocados (if desired), and Sliced green onions.
8. Top with Cheddar Cheese
9. Tastes best when chilled 1 hour
10. Serve with Frito’s and/or Tostitos
Make it an 8 layer dip by adding chopped black olives !
Mexican Style Lasagna
1 lb. ground beef
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup Salsa
1 pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) taco seasoning mix
6 flour tortillas (6 inch)
1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed
1-1/2 cups Mexican style Shredded Four Cheese
HEAT oven to 400°F.
Brown meat in large skillet; drain. Set aside. Cook chopped onions for 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Put beef back in the pan and stir with onions & garlic. Add salsa & seasoning mix. Simmer on low heat 10 min., stirring occasionally. Spread 1/2 cup onto bottom of 8-square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with 2 tortillas.
Top with layers of 1/2 cup meat mixture, half the beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 2 tortillas. Repeat layers. Top with remaining meat mixture and cheese; cover.
Bake 30 min.; uncover. Let stand 5 min. before serving.
Variations: Add a can of corn, a can of diced tomatoes or a cup of black olives.
You can substitute refried beans or chili beans for the pinto beans.
