Traditions

==__Traditions of Cinco De Mayo__ == ==== Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican War. In the United States, it has taken on significance and commercial value as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations.  __Music__ One of the biggest for the Cinco de Mayo celebration is the music. The streets are livened up with everyone having fun by making noise with whistles, rattles and horns. The most popular music is played by Mariachi bands, which is made up of men in black suits.  ====

__Dance__
====The Ballet Folklorico "Quetzalli" is a group composed of young people who love the traditions of their people expressed through music, songs, and dances characteristic of different ethnic groups. They create their interpretations through technical formation, bibliographical study, and ritual observation. __Food__ ==== Get the party started with classic Mexican appetizers, such as chips and salsa and guacamole dip. A refried bean dip with homemade corn chips will impress everyone. Recall the bounty of the sea with shrimp ceviche (marinated shrimp and a variety of chopped veggies). Tortilla soup is another appetizer that prepares guests for the sweet and spicy delights yet to come.

Main dishes for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta include tortillas, tamales (savory filling steamed in corn husks), chile rellenos (stuffed fried chiles), flautas (crisp tortillas stuffed with chiles and cheese) and pan dulce (little loaves of sweet bread). Don't forget about burritos, tacos and enchiladas when preparing entrees for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

Desserts are often the hardest part of planning Cinco de Mayo food. Almost everyone has caramel flan (a baked custard with caramel sauce) at a fiesta, but there are many other Mexican desserts that deserve a place at the table. Try churros (long sticks of pastry dusted with cinnamon and sugar) or tres leches (moist cake with a fruit topping).

  __Meat Ball Soup__  Mexican albondigas meatball soup is a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef to feel 10 people. The tasty soup is loaded with vegetables and rice. Served with salad and bread for a full and satisfying meal.  = __Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce__ The mole sauce with chiles, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and peanut butter really makes this Mexican chicken dish. =

__Decorations__ Mexican culture is well known for its colorful and all encompassing method of celebration. A Cinco de Mayo party would be remiss if it did not feature elements of Mexican culture. Vibrant colors of red and green mixed with white will set the tone of the festivities. Flowers are also a must for a Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Flowers are perfect at tables and on other pieces of furniture at the Cinco de Mayo party.



<span style="color: #00b6ff; display: block; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: 180%; text-align: left;"> __Activities__
<span style="color: #13ee02; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px;">There are military parades as a way of paying tribute to all the heroes, soldiers and civilians that gave their lives for their country. Schools participate in parades too. It takes months of rehearsal and preparation for marching bands to perform and compete among others to be the best. Parades are so popular that people wake up very early and rush to the streets seeking a good spot to watch and enjoy them.



k<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode',sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"> __Citations__ Maughan, Jennifer. "Traditional Cinco De Mayo Food."//Life 123//. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2010. < [] >.

"Party Supplies for Cinco de Mayo." //Party Supplies Hut.com//. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2010. < [] >. "History of Cinco De Mayo ." //History.com//. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2010. < [] >.

Herz, May. "Cinco De Mayo." // Inside Mexico //. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://www.inside-mexico.com/featurecinco.htm>.