WHAT IS CINCO DE MAYO?

Cinco de Mayo is a popular holiday where people celebrate with parades, mariachis, Mexican folk dancing, and lots of parties. For years, Cinco de Mayo has been a celebrated holiday in the United States though the actual event it commemorates goes all the way back to 1862 in Mexico.

MEXICAN HISTORY

On May 5th 1862, the Mexican army ended up winning the Battle of Puebla and beating France during the Franco-Mexican War. This day is also notorious for being the Battle of Puebla Day. A major misconception is that this holiday is Mexican Independence Day. In response to Benito Juárez, a lawyer and member of the indigenous Zapotec tribe who was Mexico’s president at the time, France. Britain, and Spain sent naval forces all the way to Veracruz. They were demanding repayment due to the financial situation of Mexico at the time, and the new president was forced to default on debt payments to European governments. Later on, France took advantage and carved an empire out of the Mexican Territory. Sending 6,000 French troops, Napoleon III’s forces attacked Puebla de Los Ángeles and President Juarez rounded up a force of 2,000 loyal men. On May 5th, 1862, French Mexican general Zaragoza had a victory in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, constituting a significant symbolic triumph for the Mexican government, strengthening the resistance movement, despite not being a significant tactical victory in the broader struggle against the French. France finally departed in 1867, in part because of military assistance and political pressure from the United States, which was at last in a position to help its besieged neighbor after the Civil War ended (History.com). 

WHY IS CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATED IN THE U.S.?

The United States is a very diverse country with people from different parts of the world. This holiday is interpreted as a celebration of the culture of Mexico as well as Mexico’s heritage. There are areas with many Mexican-American populations. People identify with the victory of all indigenous Mexicans, including President Juarez during the Battle of Puebla. As such, people celebrate with large parties, Mexican folk music and dance, as well as tacos among other amazing Mexican cuisine favorites (Britannica.com). 

CINCO DE MAYO IS NOT MEXICO’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

People often get confused with these two historical events; however, Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated September 16. A priest by the name of Fr. Miguel Hidalgo encouraged the Mexican people to rebel against Spain. This later led to the War for Independence which ended in 1821 (History.com). 

FUN FACTS (Source: Tastemade.com):

1. Americans helped orchestrate Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
2. Cinco de Mayo didn’t take off until the 1840’s.
3. Not every Mexican state celebrates Cinco de Mayo.
4. Some cities around the country like Colorado and Arizona hold an annual Chihuahua Race in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
5. In 2005, congress declared Cinco de Mayo an official U.S. Holiday.