This week, Mexicans and other people who just need a reason to drink, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo, which, contrary to popular belief is not Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of Mexican forces over French troops at the 1862 Battle of Puebla. In a strange little twist of history, France was after Mexico for debt, which the Mexican president Benito Juarez had stopped making payment on. In an attempt to occupy Mexico, France sent an invasion fleet to Mexico. Although the Battle of Puebla went well for the Mexican army, it was one of few victories as the French army had taken Mexico City within a year. Mexican Emperor Maximillian I was installed. Maximillian was a member of the famed royal house of Habsburg-Lorraine. By 1866 the French had withdrawn under pressure from the United States and Maximillian was executed. Juarez was re-installed as president. Oddly, Cinco de Mayo seems to be a remnant holiday from California's days as part of Mexico. The holiday is not widely observed in Mexico.

Today, the holiday is celebrated across the United States as a day of pride in Mexican heritage. Mexican beer companies make an annual push for sales and people of all backgrounds get drunk and eat Mexican food.Real Californios celebrate with a feast, mariachi music and folkloric dancing. So enjoy the holiday and be cool.

Mexico's Independence Day is September 16, 1810, which marks the day several men spoke against the colonial government of Spain. Battle erupted four days later. 2010 marks the bi-centennial.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I deliver to the people a recipe for REAL MEXICAN SALSA, no more Pace Picante Sauce please. It's too easy to make good salsa, to eat bad salsa.

FRESH SALSA (For my white peeps)

3 serrano peppers (diced)

1/2 white onion (diced)

1/4 red onion (diced)

3 tomatos (diced) Keep the juice.

A small bunch of fresh Cilantro leaves (diced!)

Salt, pepper, lime juice if desired

Want Guacamole?

Mash up 3 avocados and dump in half of that salsa. Done.