Today is Cinco de Mayo. Had bean and rice burritos for dinner - they were delicious. But I was thinking that they weren’t very authentic. Just like Cinco de Mayo. Although many Americans believe Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican independence, it actually celebrates the outcome of just one battle - the battle of Puebla. A group of vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans fortified the town of Pueblo and prepared for a French assault during the Franco-Mexican War. On May 5, 1862, the Mexicans were victorious over the French forces. In Mexico, the 5th of May also is known as Battle of Puebla Day.

Although not widely commemorated in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout the U.S. with Mexican food and margaritas and tequila toasts. So, Spousal Unit and I had burritos.

Today’s photo was taken earlier this year in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Loreto is on the Sea of Cortez and is surrounded by beautiful desert. The fences were brightly painted, the waters full of fish and marine mammals. Cardon cacti towered over palo verde and palo blanco trees. The rocks along the canyon trails were the most colorful I have ever seen. I was captivated by the colors, the history, the plants and animals, the architecture, the people, and, yes, the food of Loreto. But I did not see any burritos on the menus at the eateries in Mexico where the locals ate. Thus, having a burrito is perhaps a very appropriate choice for Cinco de Mayo. Salud!