Cinco de Mayo - May 5, 2015

Cinco de Mayo, while being a widely celebrated holiday, is a largely misunderstood.

Many people incorrectly think that the day is to celebrate Mexico's independence. Instead it is to celebrate the Mexican victory over the French in a battle at Puebla on May 5, 1862.  Mexico's Independence Day is September 16.

While the fiesta is observed in Mexico, particularly in Puebla, it is observed far more extensively outside the country. Celebrations happen all across the United States, in some Canadian cities, as well as in Europe.

This issue of "Thoughts and Tips" will include some information about celebrations of Cinco di Mayo as well as travel in Mexico.

-5 Surprising Facts About Cinco de Mayo
-Chihuahua Races, Sombrero Records and History: The Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

-10 best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

-When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?

-Cinco de Mayo the Right Way: Tasting Tequila and Mezcal in Mexico
-17 Beach Resorts in Mexico

5 Surprising Facts About Cinco de Mayo

Misconceptions abound about the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Here are a few facts that may surprise you about this holiday and how it's celebrated, both in Mexico and by its northerly neighbours...
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Chihuahua Races, Sombrero Records and History: The Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Victoria Pickering/Flickr

Cinco de Mayo festivals will kick off this weekend across the United States - where the May 5 date is much more of a celebration than it is in Mexico. The holiday is not actually Mexican Independence Day, as many people think it is. Rather, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of outnumbered Mexican forces against French troops in the Battle of Puebla in 1862...
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10 best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo - the 5th of May - means one thing in many cities across the United States and Mexico: fiesta time. Grab an ice-cold margarita at one of these 10 celebrations.
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When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?

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There really is no bad time to visit Mexico, but certain times of the year may appeal to different people more than others, and some destinations are better at certain times of the year.

Find out what to expect in the different seasons: Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall...
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Cinco de Mayo the Right Way: Tasting Tequila and Mezcal in Mexico

Important note. I might have sipped a tequila or two or blended a mezcal-based margarita while writing this. Some say, "You can't sing the blues, till you live the blues," and I believe this to be true...
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17 Beach Resorts in Mexico

With ancient Mayan ruins and many cultural attractions, Mexico has been a popular tourist and vacations destination for decades. However, there is little more beautiful or comforting than the Mexican beaches...
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