Cinco de Mayo marks an outnumbered Mexican army’s victory over an invading French army on May 5, 1862, in Puebla, east of Mexico City.

Chili Peppers

Fiesta Broadway, held in downtown Los Angeles, is considered the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration not just in the United States but also around the globe. At least that’s how organizers bill the event that draws more than a half million people to the city of angels each May.

The area is a hub for California’s 10.5 million residents of Mexican descent, but many other cities with high and low Hispanic populations also boast signature Cinco parties. In Chandler, Ariz., near Phoenix, the festival’s main attraction consists of dog races featuring 150 Chihuahuas and the coronation of a Chihuahua king and queen. Ay ay ay…

Cinco de Mayo also merits the consumption of lots of Mexican food – and avocados rise to the top because you need them for guacamole, a popular food staple. Americans on this holiday alone are expected to consume more than 70 million pounds of avocados, according to the California Avocado Commission!

So get your avocados, mash them to a pulp and mix in onion, tomato, hot peppers and whatever else you like.  Then break out the corn chips, decorate your tables with our hot chili placemats and napkins,  blend up some cool margaritas, and you’re set for Cinco!