¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! All About the Origin of This Popular Holiday

Cinco de Mayo is an annual holiday recognizing the victory of the Mexican army over the French on May 5th, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. While the French would eventually return, the original battle was a potent symbol of the country's determination to thwart foreign aggression. 

The battle was especially remarkable because the ragtag group of Mexican patriots was grossly outnumbered by 3 to 1. With more soldiers and better weaponry, plus a history of going undefeated for nearly 50 years, the French army was in a clear advantage to win. Against all odds, the Mexican army fended off the attack and pushed the French back into retreat. It was an incredibly inspirational event for Mexico, and a global statement that the fledgling nation would not easily capitulate to foreign interventions. 

In Mexico today, the date is mostly insignificant. It isn't widely observed as an official holiday, and the victory is mostly only celebrated in the state of Puebla where the battle occurred. But the story of the indomitable spirit of Mexico lived on, and by the mid-20th century, Chicano activists in America began using Cinco de Mayo as a rallying point. Annual events around the 5th of May highlighted the resiliency of the Mexican people and helped inspire pride in Mexican-American communities. 

In the United States today, Cinco de Mayo is a fun holiday that continues to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. What began with annual festivals in areas with large Mexican-American populations like Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Atlanta, has evolved into widespread events around the nation. Some estimate there are more than 150 locations in the United States with official Cinco de Mayo happenings, where people from all cultures and backgrounds celebrate with parades, parties, traditional music, dancing, and of course, great Mexican food and drinks. Even in areas without official celebrations, Cinco de Mayo remains a popular holiday, and the perfect excuse to find a Mexican restaurant nearby. 

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated widely in cities and towns across America, but some of the most popular Cinco de Mayo parties happen in local Mexican restaurants near you. You'll find over-the-top decorations, including balloons, streamers, and flowers, with some locations featuring mariachi bands or other Mexican folk music, and traditional Mexican dancing. 

At The Corner Taqueria, your Smyrna Market Village Mexican restaurant, you’ll enjoy delicious Mexican food, plus festive drink specials like margarita pitchers and house shots on sale! We're serving up fresh, unique ingredients and carefully crafted cocktails, and some of the best tacos in town. We're bringing high-energy fun and a commitment to the stellar service you love, and we can't wait for you to join us! 

This year, celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Smyrna at the Corner Taqueria! We'll be featuring margarita specials, house shots, and Dos XX deals all night long, plus all your favorite Mexican dishes from our menu. Enjoy creamy cheese dip, homemade salsa, fresh guacamole, shareable plates, and handheld tacos. We’ll also be having drink specials to celebrate:

$6 Monday Night Taco Tuesday Cans

$6.50 Mango Con Chili Margaritas

$6 Herradura Shots

Looking for the best burrito in town? Build your own and create a masterpiece worthy of the Battle of Puebla. Choose your protein, pile it high with unlimited toppings, and get saucy with your choice of flavorful homemade sauces. Grab a seat inside or kick it on the patio and enjoy the weather outside! We've got the perfect spot for outdoor dining in Smyrna.

Can't join us on Wednesday, May 5th? The Corner Taqueria is serving up fresh Mexican food and gourmet tacos all year long. Join us all week long for lunch, dinner, or swing by on Friday and Saturday for a whole lot of late-night fun.