A well-known celebration across the United States and Mexico is known as Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May. This day has been celebrated for many years, but some people still do not know the meaning behind it.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862, victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. It is still celebrated in parts of Mexico, however, it is mostly celebrated here in the United States, especially in areas with a large Mexican-American population. History.com’s David Hanschuh said, “At the time, the country was in financial ruin after years of internal strife, and the new president was forced to default on debt payments to European governments. In response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico, demanding repayment. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces.” Later in 1861, a French fleet attacked Veracruz, leading to a retreat. This battle lasted all day until the late evening. Encyclopedia Britannica.com said, “Although the fighting continued and the French were not driven out for another five years, the victory at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination. The city, which was later renamed Puebla de Zaragoza, is the site of a museum devoted to the battle, and the battlefield itself is maintained as a park.” In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely known as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with larger Mexican-American populations.
Cinco de Mayo is very commonly confused with Mexican Independence Day. Encyclopedia Britannica.com said, “Cinco de Mayo is sometimes confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which occurs on September 16 and marks the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores, a speech and battle cry uttered by Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810. The battle cry inspired the movement that ultimately freed Mexico from Spanish rule.” These holidays are completely different, but celebrate somewhat similar events.
Today, the state of Puebla celebrates Cinco de Mayo with huge parades, family parties, mariachi bands everywhere, dances with traditional clothing and colorful dresses, and floats decorated in the colors of the Mexican flag, as well as traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Encyclopedia Britannica.com said, “In the mid-20th-century United States, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo became among Mexican immigrants and those of Mexican descent a way of encouraging pride in their Mexican heritage.” Many Mexicans take much pride in Cinco de Mayo because the war proved the Mexican soldiers were brave and strong, and that is what most people see themselves as. This holiday is loved by many everywhere, especially for the delicious food from Mexican restaurants and families, as well as the sales from different types of stores, including restaurants.
Cinco de Mayo has a lot of meaning behind the holiday that people should know. How do you celebrate this holiday? If you have free time, you could take a friend with you to a local Mexican restaurant and celebrate by eating all the good traditional foods!
