Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I suppose most of you who are members of the Fishing Forum are not familiar with the beginning of the Mexican celebration of Cinco De Mayo, so I will attempt, as best I can as a gringo from Texas to explain it.

This memorial celebration and holiday had its roots in the 1800’s when there were a lot of passenger steam powered ships bringing visitors and immigrants to the New World. Some were just holiday visitors, but many were coming with the intention of becoming citizens of the United States.

While these steamships were loaded with passengers, there was still room for cargo in the ship’s hold. To help pay for the expenses, the enterprising ship owners would also load the hold with different types of cargo. It was about this time that mayonnaise had been invented in Europe and there was a strong market in both the United States and in Mexico.

After the ship had docked in New York and the passengers had landed, there would also be the unloading of some of the mayonnaise for the U.S. market, but since there was also more than the U.S. market could handle, the steamships would then set sail for Mexican ports with a big portion of their cargo.

It was on one of these voyages that the steamship in question encountered a terrific hurricane as it had just passed Florida and before it had reached safety of its next port of call in Mexico. Tragically, the ship, its crew and all its cargo were lost in the storm on May 5th. This was noted by U.S. news paper headlines only for a day or so.

However, it was a much larger loss to the citizens of Mexico and was considered a major tragedy, so much so they initiated a day of remembrance, because they were completely without any Mayonnaise, so this became a day of national remembering on May 5th and was forever more, Cinco de Mayo! Just Sayin…RJS

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Good one Robert. .

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Well I don't know bout that.
I believe it's the day they, the Mexicans, won a battle in 1862 over the French at the Battle of Puebla in the Franco Mexican War. It's also known as Battle of Puebla Day... Just Sayin.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Of Course you are correct. I was just pulling everyone's leg. A Mexican General by the name of Zaragosa, born in Texas was credited with the victory over a much superior number of French troops. Just Sayin...RJS

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

I kinda figgered you were.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Yep, that's just how I heard it. It's why Mescans in California never put mayonaise on nothing. They adapted and learned to live with out it.
And I don't know if anyone else on here mentioned it but:

Happy Star Wars Day everyone!

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Maybe y'all are confused and referin to "Stinko de Mayo" day.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

May the Fourth be with you, also Spirit.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Thanks Fred.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

But a fifth of tequila will make you forget about the fourth.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Yeah... one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Thats why I don't touch liquor. Only light water down beer. Bud Light. My wife ownes a liquor store and has no problem me sampling any. LOL

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Yep, that's all I do anymore too.

Iowa Farmer Loc: Iowa City Iowa

New Star Wars Droid postage stamps available today.