Sinko de Mayo

It is a little known fact that in the late 1800s, various merchants had begun to import mayonnaise into Mexico. The Mexican people had never experienced anything like it and were immediately taken by the creamy consistency and the flavor that it added to so many different foods. By the early 1900s, their love of mayonnaise became somewhat of a national obsession.

Most people also don't know that the Hellman company, the original and some say still the best manufacturer of mayonnaise in the world had it's national headquarters in London. In 1912, Hellman's had placed a huge order of mayonnaise in the cargo compartment of the Titanic. The great ship was to stop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico after leaving New York City. Of course, we all know it never made it to New York.

When the people of Mexico heard of the tragic demise of the Titanic, they were of course saddened by the loss of human life, but they were absolutely devastated over the loss of their shipment of mayonnaise. There were even reports of rioting in Mexico City. The entire nation of Mexico was so upset that they declared a national day of mourning that they still celebrate to this day.

They call it Sinko de Mayo.