Cinco de Mayo translates from Spanish into the Fifth of May. It is a celebration to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, during the French-Mexican War, May 5, 1862; under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. Puebla was a small humble town of mostly indigenous people. Cinco de Mayo is not the day Mexico won their independence from Spanish rule as it is most commonly thought. Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated September, 16.
Actually, Mexico had won it's independence fifty years prior to the Battle of Puebla. The events that lead up to this new conflict in that part of the world was Mexico's President Benito Juárez declaration that Mexico was too poor to pay it's debts to foreign nations. Prompting France to invade Mexico and making it a French territory. But when french troops approached Puebla on May 5, 1862; a ragtag band of men, who until then knew very little of war and were out numbered 2 to 1, where able to keep the enemy at bay.
The Battle of Puebla, did not stop the French from taking Mexico City, the capital. And it was with the United States' help that Mexico was able to finally defeat the French and restore Juárez back to power. But it was that battle, on Cinco de Mayo, that became the symbol and pride of Mexico's resistance and ingenuity in the face of such great odds. It also solidified our relations with our southern neighbor.
The spirit of Cinco de Mayo had quickly spread to the United States and soldiers of Mexican heritage used the day as inspiration for the Union struggle in the Civil War. Americans in the mist of civil war were inspired by the Mexican victory and began celebrating the day with parades, dances, speeches, banquets and bull fights.
Today Cinco de Mayo is a bigger holiday in the U.S. than in Mexico, were it is mostly celebrated in the State of Puebla. So when you raise your glass on Cinco de Mayo, take an extra moment to honor the surprisingly American history behind this Mexican holiday.
Used an article written by SWNS*. Read more here NEW YORK POST
*SWNS, South West News Service
Viewed Video on the subject on History Channel**
**History Channel: On this day.
Used an article written by SWNS*. Read more here NEW YORK POST
*SWNS, South West News Service
Viewed Video on the subject on History Channel**
**History Channel: On this day.
