May 6, 2008

History

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 the condiment
scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico,
which was
to be the next port-of-call for the great ship
after
its stop in New York.

This would have been the largest single shipment of
mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know,
the great ship did not make it to New York.
The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and 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 they still observe to this day.


The National Day of Mourning occurs each year
on May
5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.

WHAT!!!! You expected something educational from me?
I just had to post that. I've had this fun story for a long time
awaiting the right timing in history to post it.
I was too busy, and then tired, to post it earlier.

I grew up next to Mexico. I do know the real Cinco de Mayo story.
Though a small victory against the French,
it was a turning point for Mexico.
Lots of gaiety, color, good food, and fun pinatas.

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