Celebrate May: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Derby Day & Memorial Weekend Fun

Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5th each year. While it is often mistaken in the U.S. as Mexico’s Independence Day (which is actually on September 16th), Cinco de Mayo commemorates a significant victory during the Mexican American War.

On this day in 1862, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved a surprising victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla despite being outnumbered and less equipped. The French attempted to expand their empire in Mexico under Emperor Napoleon III, and the victory boosted Mexican morale and national pride.

Though the holiday is not widely celebrated in Mexico outside of Puebla, where the battle occurred, it has become a significant celebration in the U.S., particularly in areas with large Mexican American populations. It has evolved into a festive day marked by parades, parties, Mexican food, music, and dancing, often focusing on celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. Cinco de Mayo has turned into a day of pride for many Mexican Americans, celebrating both their Mexican roots and their contributions to American society. It has also become an opportunity for everyone to enjoy Mexican food, music, and traditions!

View Melissa's Cinco de Mayo menu to help make your celebration the best!

We offer fresh and dried peppers to add flavor and heat to all your dishes (without the added sodium, too!) One of our trendiest ingredients is our Hatch Pepper Powder; sprinkle it on your favorite dish for the authentic Hatch, New Mexico flavor. We have a complete line of over-the-top HOT dried peppers for all the pepper-heads. Use these sparingly — they are HOT! Fresh variety peppers like serrano, jalapeño, Anaheim and pasilla, Soyrizo, Soy Taco, Tamale Kit and other fresh Melissa's ingredients will also help to make your Cinco de Mayo delicious!!  

Mother’s Day
Mother's Day in the United States is a special holiday celebrated to honor mothers and mother figures for their love, sacrifices, and the significant role they play in families and society. Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year, making it a movable celebration. This year, Mother's Day will fall on May 11th.

Mother's Day originated in the U.S. around the early 20th century. The holiday was promoted by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, an activist who cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Anna Jarvis campaigned to have a day dedicated to mothers, and after a lot of effort, President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized Mother's Day as a national holiday in 1914.

On Mother's Day, people typically express their love and gratitude to mothers by giving gifts like flowers (particularly carnations), cards, and taking them out for meals or preparing special meals for them. Cooking for Mom at home is still a popular way to celebrate. Melissa’s brings you the best ingredients to create your special meal for Mom. Plus, there are so many services that can help you create the enjoy a Mother’s Day meal at home! 

Mother's Day is one of the busiest holidays for retailers. Everyone has a mother, grandmother, stepmother or mother figure they want to spoil. In fact, Mother’s Day is considered one of the biggest shopping holidays in the U.S. 

People spend money on gifts, flowers, and most of all, dining out. According to various reports, Mother’s Day is often in the top 10 for consumer spending, with billions of dollars being spent annually.

The way Mother's Day is celebrated can vary, but the core theme is always about showing appreciation and love for the maternal figures in people's lives. It’s a day to reflect on the sacrifices and efforts mothers make daily for their families.

Check out our website for some of Mom’s favorite foods and try one of our delicious recipes.  

If your mother is not local, Melissa’s offers some “perfect for mom” gift baskets to send to your mom or favorite person.  Check out our complete selection to find the perfect gift.

Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous and prestigious horse races in the world, often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." It takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and marks the beginning of the Triple Crown of American horse racing (which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes).

This year, the big race is on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Kentucky Derby is a top-ranking horse race for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses. The horses race on a dirt track for 1 ¼ miles.  Mint Juleps are the drink of choice at the Derby; a cocktail made with bourbon, fresh mint, and sugar. Always have plenty of mint on hand when watching, so you’ll feel like you’re in Louisville with the racers! To add a little personality to your Mint Juleps, add fresh lychee, mango, or your favorite tropical fruit. 

Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and remembers the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year, giving many Americans a long weekend to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel. This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, 2025.

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the Civil War (1861-1865) when it was known as Decoration Day. It began to honor the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. After the Civil War, the practice spread across the country, and the holiday eventually became recognized nationwide. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May. 

As Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, Family gatherings are popular at the beach, a park or in a backyard. Food is a large part of Memorial Day celebrations. Besides the usual burgers and hotdogs, sides are one the key ingredients to any gathering: 

Coleslaw: A crunchy, cabbage-based salad typically dressed in a tangy mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing.
Potato Salad: A creamy and tangy side dish made with Melissa’s DYP’s®, mayonnaise, mustard, and other ingredients like eggs or celery.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a summer favorite, often served with butter and seasoning. Try a sprinkle of Melissa’s Hatch Pepper Powder for added flavor. 
Baked Beans: A savory and sweet dish made with beans, often cooked with bacon, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce. Try adding a little Costa Azul to spice it up!
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, and grapes. Add color with yellow watermelon or pink pineapple!
Caprese Salad: A simple Italian salad made with Melissa’s fresh mini Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Guacamole: A fresh, creamy dip made with avocado, lime, and seasonings. If you don’t want to make your own, try our ready-to-eat Party Guacamole. It tastes like homemade.
Salsa: A tomato-based dip with herbs and spices, great with chips or as a topping for grilled meats. Our Hatch Pepper salsas are perfect as a condiment or dip,

Check out our Memorial Day Menu suggestions!