I heard this tale from my best friend’s husband. I thought it was a brilliant explanation of Cinco De Mayo. Enjoy!
For those that did not know, the popular Hellmann’s mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment, on its maiden voyage, 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 in April of 1912. 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.
This National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as SINKO De MAYO!
*And for another tale of Cinco De Mayo, see our Time Traveler column on page 45.
