Cinco de Mayo may not be on everyone's lips but it's a day of celebration for Mexicans. Which is why a Torquay restaurant supervisor whose great great great grandfather helped Mexicans regain their country, freedom and independence back in 1862 is organising a rather special party night next week.

Mexican born Mauricio Amaro Heredia who heads up the Bay Brasserie   team at Torquay's Riviera International Centre is hoping local people will join him for a special Mexican Night to celebrate   his country's   victory over France on May 5 th 1862.

Mauricio, who moved to this country two years ago, has a very special reason for keeping the party going because his great, great, great grandfather, Captain Amaro commanded the battalion which helped win the battle over the French.

He is hoping the people of Torbay will dress up with Ponchos and Sombrero's for the Mexican Night which is being held at the Brasserie on Friday May 5 th .   Needless to say, the whole evening will be devoted to Mexican food, Mexican wine and of course Mexican music.

Mauricio explained: "May 5 th is not Mexican Independence Day but it should be. And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday but it should be. Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain   on midnight 15 th September 1810 but it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.

"Many people ask what is the connection with Cinco de Mayo and why Americans savour the day as well.   It is because 4000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8000 at Puebla, 100 miles east of Mexico city, on the morning of May 5 th 1862.

"The French had landed in Mexico (along with Spanish and English troops) five months earlier on the pretext of collecting Mexican debts from the newly elected government. The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left but the French had other ideas."

Mauricio added: "It ended in a bitter war between the Mexicans and the French but our country received enormous help from the Americans which is something we will never forget.   Mexicans never forget who their friends are and neither do the Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party...a party that celebrates freedom and liberty."

Anyone you would like to join in the party should contact the Brasserie on 01803 206337.

Our picture shows Mauricio pouring a wee drop of Mexico's national drink, Tequila, for Bay Brasserie Manager Jenny Thompson to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.