Cinco de Mayo

"Puebla, Mexico"

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Hombres! While many Americans are under the impression this date marks Mexican Independence Day, the celebration actually commemorates the victory of the loyal Mexican forces of 4000 over the combined French and rebel Mexican forces numbering 8000 at Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862. The Mexican cavalry whose decimation of the French cavalry was a key to victory was led by future President/Dictator Colonel Porfirio Diaz. The French Strategy for the invasion was to capture the capitol after the European model. The thinking here is if the capitol falls, the country follows in capitulation. The Mexican victory at Puebla prevented the capture of Mexico City and effectively blunted the invasion. This caused ripples in the grand strategy of the American Civil War as without the foothold in Mexico, the French could not supply the Confederacy with arms and ammunition in their rebellion against the Union. This increased the stranglehold on the Southern war economy caused by the blockade of all viable ports in the Confederacy hastening the eventual victory of the Union forces and reunification of the United States. So there is much to celebrate on both sides of the border. Here in Texas there are festivals, fiestas and the inevitable chili cook-offs almost anywhere you live or to which you can easily travel in a day trip. So in honor of Cinco de Mayo I have collected this set of Hispanic Hotties for your edification. Until next time as always, Enjoy!