Bertha:
Yes indeed, good food is always present in these kind of celebrations. Frequently the stomach has to work a little more in those days.

And you are right, the 5th of May, 1862 is another significant day here in my country. It is related to the defense of the City of Puebla.
By the way, Hollywood made a film named "Juarez" (with Bette Davis and Brian Aherne), which talks about these years 1862-1867 and some situations with influence in the history of both nations (U.S. and México). The film can help understand much better why this date is also remembered in some places in the the U.S.
Maybe the film is in YouTube, I don't know.
Regards