Happy Cinco de Mayo!

May 5, 8:37 AMChicago Latino Community ExaminerSonia Gandara

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 Cinco de Mayo Parade at Central Park. Photo by NY Daily News

Before taking your Coronas out of the cooler to celebrate, let's remember the history of Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo is NOT the day that recognizes Mexico's independence from Spain. Most people get that confused. Cinco de Mayo really marks Mexico's defeat over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Mexico was extremely weakened after wars against Spain and the United States.

Soon after, while the U.S. was busy with the Civil War, the French saw this as an opportunity to sneak in on the weak link.

But after all the Mexicans have lost, they weren't going to have it anymore.

And yes, we won. Peace out, Napoleon!

Now that we got all that cleared up, check out President Obama's Cinco de Mayo speech in this video from Politico. Obama's Spanish is pretty good!

Ready to get yo' drink on? There's a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Moe's Cantina! $30 open bar of sangria and margaritas! I don't think many of you will be heading to work tomorrow.

WHEN:
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
6-8pm

WHERE:
Moe's Cantina
3518 N. Clark St.
Wrigleyville
773-248-0002

Do you want to learn more about the history of Cinco de Mayo AND get yo' drink on? Head over to the Chicago History Museum’s first Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Peeps from Adobo Grill will supply homemade guacamole, demonstrate how to make the perfect margarita, and explain the difference between blanco, reposado, and añejo at a tequila tasting. Yummy! Cost is $25 and $20 for members (includes one complimentary cocktail).

WHEN:
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
7-9:30pm

WHERE:
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
312.642.4600