Facts and Stats About Cinco de Mayo
As noted by Parade.com, Cinco de Mayo celebrated on the 5th of May each year, is a time-honored tradition commemorating Mexico’s victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla against the French Army. Cinco de Mayo is also an extremely popular drinking day with millions of people celebrating the holiday. It was declared an official U.S. holiday by Congress in 2005.
According to Tastemade’s “13 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Cinco de Mayo,” Los Angeles has the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration. In addition, nearly half (47%) of all drinks ordered during Cinco de Mayo celebrations are margaritas. Beer sales are also significantly higher during the holiday, raking in nearly $700 million.
Tips for Staying Safe on Cinco de Mayo
Given that Cinco de Mayo marks one of the most popular drinking holidays, it is important to plan ahead and stay safe during festivities. One of the most important things you can do is to designate a sober driver. Drinking and driving claims approximately 10,000 lives each year. All of these deaths are preventable. Designating a sober driver can help keep you and others safe.
Pedestrians are also at risk for injury or death if they have been drinking. A large number of pedestrian accident fatalities during popular drinking days occur because either the driver or the pedestrian has been drinking.
If you are planning not to drink and feel that a party, bar, or festive restaurant would be triggering there are alternatives. You can host a themed dinner at your house, or engage in family-friendly celebrations that do not focus on drinking.
If you are unable to stop drinking, it may be time to consider treatment. There are more options now than ever for treatment.