Get ready to shake your maracas and raise your sombreros, because we’re diving into the wild and wacky world of Cinco de Mayo! First things first, let’s clear up the biggest misconception – it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day. But don’t let that fool you – this holiday is still muy importante!

Picture it: economically struggling Mexico, being bossed around by the French for the second time. The French General, Charles de Lorencez, thought he could waltz into Mexico City and overthrow the prez, Benito Juarez. But little did he know, the Mexican Army was ready to put up a fight. The showdown took place at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, and even though they were outnumbered, the Mexican Army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to kick some French booty. Four days later, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday, and the party hasn’t stopped since!

Now, the battle itself wasn’t exactly a strategic masterpiece, and the French took control of Mexico a couple of years later. But the resistance movement gained strength from this victory and teamed up with the Americans to boot Napoleon’s forces out of Mexico. And get this: it’s believed that the French would have totally sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War if they hadn’t been busy messing around in Mexico. So, thanks to Cinco de Mayo, the history of the United States was forever changed. ¡Viva la resistencia!

But the real party started in California, where pro-Union Mexican citizens celebrated the victory at Puebla as a win for the good guys. They spread the annual celebrations across the state and eventually across the country, becoming a huge hit with Mexican-Americans everywhere. So, let’s raise a glass of tequila to the brave Mexican soldiers who fought for their country and changed the course of history – and to the fiesta that never ends!

What does this have to do with what we do here at PondHawk? Probably very little but its fun and we choose to celebrate this day with you are clients, friends and partners. Lets have fun today!