Cinco de Mayo is more than just a festive day filled with music and delicious food—it's a meaningful opportunity to honor Mexican culture and the historical resilience behind the holiday. While often misunderstood as Mexico's Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. To deepen your appreciation of this day, why not turn to books that explore the rich tapestry of Mexican history, identity, and storytelling? Whether you're interested in historical narratives or cultural insights, these books are perfect reads for celebrating Cinco de Mayo with intention and understanding.
Establishing New Mexico as a U.S. territory was anything but bloodless. The Mexican-American War brought ferocious battles, brutal sieges, guerrilla warfare and scorched earth tactics. More than three hundred Mexican and American forces were killed or wounded in a single battle near Santa Fe. During the Taos Revolt, Governor Charles Bent was scalped and murdered in his home, and American forces fired cannons into a church where Pueblos and Mexicans sought refuge. Soldiers destroyed entire villages like Los Valles, killing or forcing residents to flee. Author Ray John de Aragón recounts these and other dramatic stories behind the birth of the Land of Enchantment.
These books are technically about New Mexico, the state, because our books do focus on local American history but they do go into the history and culture of Mexico.
The beautiful red and blue skies of New Mexico have been the perfect backdrop for centuries of celebration, from the venerable Fiestas de Santa Fe to the world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Ageless folk music and dance intermingle with innovations in rock and salsa. Ray John de Aragón issues an invitation to the profound traditions and captivating performances that accompany New Mexico’s Fiestas.
New Mexico may appear to be the land of a thousand Margaritas, but its distilleries and historic cocktails are complex enough to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Cowboys and banditos alike distilled and drank their way to infamy. Prohibition drinkers masked the questionable spirits with cocktails at local joints like the legendary triple-level speakeasy of Santa Fe that was so secret, it had no name. Though the state had no legal distilleries for several decades following Prohibition, Arturo Jaramillo created the quintessential New Mexican cocktail in 1965. When Don Quixote Distillery opened in 2005, it set the stage for a cocktail revolution. Cocktail enthusiast Greg Mays explores a boozy history spiked with anecdotes and garnished with over one hundred simple recipes for the home bartender.
To some, chile might be considered a condiment, but in New Mexico it takes center stage. Going back four centuries, native tribes, Spanish missionaries, conquistadors and Anglos alike craved capsicum, and chile became infused in the state's cuisine, culture and heritage. Beloved events like the annual Fiery Foods Show bring together thousands of artisans specializing in chile. The Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University devoutly researches the complexity of chile and releases carefully crafted varieties. Legendary farms like Jimmy Lytle's in Hatch and Matt Romero's in Alcalde carry on generations-old practices in the face of dwindling natural resources. Acclaimed restaurants continue to find inspiration in chile, from classic dishes to innovative creations. Join local author and award-winning documentary filmmaker Chile Chica Kelly Brinn Urig for the enchanting history of chile.
As you take time to enjoy Cinco de Mayo, consider setting aside a few moments to explore these powerful reads. Each book offers a unique window into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped Mexican-American identity. Whether you're learning something new or deepening your existing knowledge, these stories provide a richer, more thoughtful way to celebrate the day. So pour yourself a cafecito, find a cozy spot, and let these books take you on a meaningful journey through history, culture, and the enduring spirit of a people.
