For those of you outside your basic Mexican Influence, today is Cinco de Maio (5th of May). It is a big Southern California holiday that has, over the years, spread as the Margaritas have flowed.
Historically this is not a big Mexican Holiday. But California History books (the ones you have to read in 5th grade when you study your state's history) make a point of the date. Supposedly Mexicans celebrate their first Victory over the French (Napoleon but his brother Maximillan on the Mexican Throne) which occurred on the 5th of May.
Now, who ever wrote this California History Book for 5th graders made a big deal of this. So the entire state celebrates a Mexican non-Holiday. Well, 30 years and 12,000 Mexican Restaurants later - it is a holiday (I actually have 2 people taking off for Cinco de Maio). Go figure.
Mickey explains the alternate theory.
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England.
In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico,
which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.
But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York.
The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise,
and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.
Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course,
as
Sinko de Mayo.