Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Everyone's Favorite Part of Cinco De Mayo: FOOD!
The food in Cinco de Mayo is a very important part of the celebration. The food portrays the culture of Mexico. Many different Mexican dishes are served at Cinco de Mayo and each are just as delicious as the next! Some foods that you may see served at Cinco de Mayo are: chiles en nogada, chiles stuffed with meat (usually chicken or turkey), toasted almonds topped with pecan or walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, and fruit. Mole Poblano is a sauce usually served atop of chicken that is served a lot during Cinco de Mayo. Another type of sauce is manchamantel which literally means "tablecloth stainer". Manchamentel is a red sauce made with various fruit and chilies. Pipian Rojo and Pipian Verde (additional sauces made from using ground pumpkin seeds and served atop chicken or turkey). Enchiladas con Mole (Cheese or meat enchiladas made with a mole sauce). These foods play an important role in the celebration of Cinco de Mayo and are enjoyed by many.
People of Cinco de Mayo
Ignacio Zaragoza- Mexican General.
Maximilian I of Mexico- French placed him on the throne after the Battle of Puebla.
Napoleon III- French Emperor.
Abraham Lincoln- President of the US at the time of the Battle of Puebla.
Charles de Lorencez- General that led the French Army.
Maximilian I of Mexico- French placed him on the throne after the Battle of Puebla.
Napoleon III- French Emperor.
Abraham Lincoln- President of the US at the time of the Battle of Puebla.
Charles de Lorencez- General that led the French Army.
Cinco de Mayo Vs. Fourth of July
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is kind of like our version of Fourth of July. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the day the Mexicans defeated the French army. Our Fourth of July celebrates the United States' victory against the British for independence. The United States and Mexico both celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It is a celebration of Mexican culture, food, music, beverage, and customs unique to Mexico. The Fourth of July is a celebration the includes food, music, parades in som areas, and fireworks! Several cities throughout the U.S. put on parades to celebrate Cinco de Mayo during the week following up to May 5th. Both of these holidays are important to the cultures of the United States and Mexico and make one more day in the year more enjoyable. :)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine Flu in Mexico
Travel Health WarningTravel Warning: Swine Influenza and Severe Cases of Respiratory Illness in Mexico — Avoid Nonessential Travel to Mexico This information is current as of today, April 30, 2009 at 10:49 EDT
Updated: April 27, 2009
Current Situation
As of April 27, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens sent to CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the United States.
On April 25, the WHO Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the rules of the International Health Regulations. CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the U.S. cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. At this time, only two of the 20 cases in the U.S. have been hospitalized and all have recovered, but deaths are reported to have occurred in Mexico. CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States.
CDC Recommendations
At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates.
If you must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu:
Stay Informed
Check updates from the:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Secretaria de Salud,
World Health Organization
Monitor announcements from Mexico’s Ministry of Health and local government including information about affected areas, as not all areas are equally affected.
Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of swine flu. Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.
Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. Passengers showing symptoms of swine influenza will be asked to submit voluntarily to physical examination and further evaluation, if needed.
United States
At this time, the United States is not conducting enhanced entry screening of passengers arriving from Mexico, nor is the United States conducting exit screening of passengers departing for Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security will provide Travel Health Alert Notices to US travelers going to and coming from Mexico at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These notices provide advice to travelers on how to reduce their risk of getting sick, the symptoms of swine flu, and what to do if the traveler becomes sick.
CDC will provide all ill passengers and their contacts arriving from Mexico with Travel Health Alert Notices. These notices provide advice information regarding seeking health advice from a physician and how to prevent illness in persons who have been exposed but who are not ill.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx
Updated: April 27, 2009
Current Situation
As of April 27, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens sent to CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the United States.
On April 25, the WHO Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the rules of the International Health Regulations. CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the U.S. cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. At this time, only two of the 20 cases in the U.S. have been hospitalized and all have recovered, but deaths are reported to have occurred in Mexico. CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States.
CDC Recommendations
At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates.
If you must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu:
Stay Informed
Check updates from the:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Secretaria de Salud,
World Health Organization
Monitor announcements from Mexico’s Ministry of Health and local government including information about affected areas, as not all areas are equally affected.
Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of swine flu. Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.
Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. Passengers showing symptoms of swine influenza will be asked to submit voluntarily to physical examination and further evaluation, if needed.
United States
At this time, the United States is not conducting enhanced entry screening of passengers arriving from Mexico, nor is the United States conducting exit screening of passengers departing for Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security will provide Travel Health Alert Notices to US travelers going to and coming from Mexico at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These notices provide advice to travelers on how to reduce their risk of getting sick, the symptoms of swine flu, and what to do if the traveler becomes sick.
CDC will provide all ill passengers and their contacts arriving from Mexico with Travel Health Alert Notices. These notices provide advice information regarding seeking health advice from a physician and how to prevent illness in persons who have been exposed but who are not ill.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx
Continuation of Cinco de Mayo History!
The popularity of Cinco de Mayo has increased in recent years. The tradition, which originated in Mexico, is now celebrated throughout the world. What is Cinco de Mayo and how can people take part in the celebration?
In the 1860s, Emperor Napoleon III sent troops to Mexico to protect the interests of France in the region. However, on May 5th, 1862, a unit of 4,500 Mexican soldiers, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended the city of Puebla against a force of 6,500 French troops. Since this time the country has celebrated Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May) to honor the victory in Puebla.
A number of events signify Cinco de Mayo. There are parades, dancing and mariachi music throughout Mexico. Colorful streamers decorate homes and places of business for various parties, which include a variety of games and, for the young and old alike, piñatas that are filled with candy.
Of course Cinco de Mayo is not complete without a taste of Mexican cuisine. Traditional foods such as quesadillas, fajitas and rice and beans are a favorite during the celebration. Empanadas, pastries filled with meats and vegetables, are also a must-have.
Whether you’re in Mexico or celebrating the festivities elsewhere, Cinco de Mayo is a fun event to celebrate with family and friends. Bring out your sombrero, maracas and a hearty appetite and prepare to kick back and have an exciting time.
http://www.life123.com/holidays/more-holidays/may-holidays/celebrating-cinco-de-mayo.shtml
In the 1860s, Emperor Napoleon III sent troops to Mexico to protect the interests of France in the region. However, on May 5th, 1862, a unit of 4,500 Mexican soldiers, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended the city of Puebla against a force of 6,500 French troops. Since this time the country has celebrated Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May) to honor the victory in Puebla.
A number of events signify Cinco de Mayo. There are parades, dancing and mariachi music throughout Mexico. Colorful streamers decorate homes and places of business for various parties, which include a variety of games and, for the young and old alike, piñatas that are filled with candy.
Of course Cinco de Mayo is not complete without a taste of Mexican cuisine. Traditional foods such as quesadillas, fajitas and rice and beans are a favorite during the celebration. Empanadas, pastries filled with meats and vegetables, are also a must-have.
Whether you’re in Mexico or celebrating the festivities elsewhere, Cinco de Mayo is a fun event to celebrate with family and friends. Bring out your sombrero, maracas and a hearty appetite and prepare to kick back and have an exciting time.
http://www.life123.com/holidays/more-holidays/may-holidays/celebrating-cinco-de-mayo.shtml
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