Instructions: Cinco de Mayo is a day for celebrating national pride and all things Mexican.

But I think anyone who has ever felt cultural pride, national loyalty or respected the rights of others to pursue freedom and justice can share in the holiday.

Its origin dates to 1862. By then, Mexico had a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, ranging from the Olmec advancements in science and sculpture to the architectural wonders of the Aztecs and the Mayas.

Imagine how Mexicos people felt upon hearing this comment from General Lorencz, who was reporting back to French leader Napoleon III: We are so superior to the Mexicans in race, in organization, in discipline, in morality, and in refinement of sensibilities, that as of this moment, at the head of our 6,000 valiant soldiers, I am the master of Mexico.

Soon after, Napoleon and his cronies waged an unsuccessful plan to take over Mexico. They were thwarted during many attempts, most notably in the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla. There, an ill-equipped army of Mexican soldiers defeated the formidable French forces.

Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of the battle, commemorates the countrys struggle to throw off the occupying army that invaded in 1861 and was withdrawn

Because food and anniversary celebrations go together, its the perfect time to sample some of Mexicos fabulous cuisine. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, heres a menu of five recipes. (which see)

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