Cinco de Mayo is on Thursday May 5th, and for many of us that means going to our favorite Mexican restaurant for some guacamole, dinner and of course margaritas but there is a lot more to the holiday than you think.

Cinco de Mayo actually is not about Mexico gaining their independence but it is a celebration of the victory during the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican war.  Due to an unexpected win this holiday became a source of pride for Mexico and which is why it is still celebrated today.  It is not federal holiday in Mexico and is actually a minor holiday outside of Puebla, Veracuz and the United States.  The reason why it is celebrated in the United States is because Franklin Roosevelt enacted the “Good Neighbor Policy” in 1933 to improve public relations with Latin American countries.

Here are some Mexican restaurants in Vermont where you can go and get some great Mexican cuisine:

Gringo Jack’s Southwestern Bar & Grill in Manchester, VT is having a Cinco de Mayo weekend from Thursday, May 5 – Saturday, May 7.  They are having T-Shirt giveaways and prizes including a Vintage Grand Marnier cooler with a bottle opener. They are also having drink specials including 1/2 price house margaritas.  Try the house favorite for over 20 years.  Enchilada Mole de Poblano – Adobo chicken – topped with their own mole sauce made with nuts, seeds, the trinity of chilies and a touch of Mexican chocolate.  Baked & sprinkled with sesame seeds.  Served with black beans sprinkled with feta cheese.  Of course you will have to get some guacamole as an appetizer.

Bueno y Sano in Burlington,  VT is the place to go if you are looking for simple Mexican food.  The menu includes burritos, tacos and quesadilla’s.  You can pretty much build your own burrito with several fillings to choose from.  You are going to need a take out container because the burritos are so big.  Make sure you get a side of chips and salsa to go along with your meal.

Mojo Café located in Ludlow, VT serves up serves modern tex-mex cuisine allowing for a blend of Mexican and Cajun influence.  Start off with Chile Relleno – Aged Cheddar, Queso Fresco, Jack, Lime Tempura, Margarita Slaw. For your entrée try their BBQ Pork Chimichanga – A deep-fried Burrito filled with Slow Roasted Tequila-Citrus Pork Shoulder, Mojo’s BBQ Roja sauce, Pinto Beans, Cheddar Cheese, Smoked Jalapeño Crema, Cilantro, Margarita Slaw on side.  If you don’t feel like going out for dinner take-out is available.

The Cactus Café located in Stowe, VT has an extensive dinner and drink menu.  They serve everything from their homemade jalapeno poppers, stuffed with a chipolte blend, dipped in beer batter and fried.  Beware these are very hot!  Also check out the Catus House Nachos.   Try one of their sizzling fajitas or the pulled pork tacos. Thirsty?  They have 35 different types of tequila to choose from.

For more information about these restaurants visit:

Gringo Jacks
Bueno y Sano
Mojo Café
The Cactus Cafe

Don’t feel like going out but want to toast to the holiday.  Try making this margarita recipe at home.

1 1/2 oz. tequila
1.2 oz. triple sec
1 oz. lemon juice
Salt

Rub the rim of a margarita glass with lemon juice, and dip in salt. Shake ingredients with ice, strain into the glass, and serve.

For more great restaurants throughout the state visit Vermont.com Dining Page.