Cinco de Mayo
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of Hellmann’s, scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, the next port of call after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.
However, as we know, the Titanic didn't make it to NYC. The ship hit an iceberg and sank. Many passengers and all the cargo was forever lost.
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which Mexico still observes to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.
|