Do you want to make something of your afternoon? Want to warm up for the Beer festivities tomorrow?

Start today with the celebration at the waterfront. But before you go, be informed: This is not Mexico’s version of the Fourth of July. From Wikipedia:

[A French contingent was sent to Mexico by Napoleon III to remove the Mexican government and install a monarchy partial to France. This army attacked three times and was turned back each time.] Mexico’s Army counter-attacked. A force of Zacapoaxtla and Xochiapulco Indians, many armed only with machetes, overran part of the French lines. Porfirio D√≠az (a future President of Mexico) led a well disciplined company of Mexican cavalry that flanked the French. The battle was over by 4:30 p.m.

As darkness fell, the French pulled back some distance. General Lorencez waited two days for a Mexican counter-offensive, but Zaragoza did not want to attack the French in open country, where he would lose his defensive advantage. Unwilling to risk another attack and faced with inclement weather that included a hail storm, Lorencez withdrew his forces to Orizaba.

And since I know what most people really call this holiday, you may now get cozy with your friend Corona, or your friend Cuervo, depending on the style in which you kick it.

Related posts:

1. Happy Cinco de Mayo
2. There’s too many immigrants and emigrants coming to Portland
3. 35 deg in ptown, 85 deg in Mexico
4. Crisis in North Portland
5. Happy Bastille Day!