Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day of drinking and partying; it’s a day rich in history and culture for Mexico. Celebrated annually on May 5, Cinco de Mayo recognizes Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire led by Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
While it’s often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day, it’s actually a celebration of a significant battle that shaped the country’s history.
The Origins of Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Independence Day, or Diá de la Independencia, came on September 16, 1810, when the country broke free of Spanish rule. However, Cinco de Mayo came more than 50 years later when French Emperor Napoleon III wanted to claim Mexico for himself.
The French sent troops to force Mexico’s President Benito Juárez and the government out of Veracruz. On May 5, 1862, in a small town in east-central Mexico called Puebla, 2,000 Mexican soldiers faced 6,000 French troops at daybreak.
Incredibly, Mexico claimed victory by the evening, and Juárez declared May 5 a national holiday.
The Battle of Puebla and Its Significance
The Battle of Puebla played a significant role in the American Civil War. With the French defeated and leaving North America, the Confederacy wasn’t able to use them as an ally to win the war.
This victory not only marked a significant moment in Mexican history but also had far-reaching implications for the United States.
Why Are Americans Still Confused?
Despite its rich history, Cinco de Mayo is often misunderstood by Americans. Many believe it’s just a day to party and drink, but it’s much more than that. According to Mario García, a Chicanx historian from the University of California at Santa Barbara, “Everyone thinks that it’s just party time, it’s Corona time.”
However, he emphasizes the importance of going beyond the partying and drinking to understand the true significance of the holiday.
The Importance of Chicanx History
Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of the importance of Chicanx history and its people’s contributions to the United States. García notes that when you study the history of Chicanos and Latinos, you realize they’ve been history makers, involved in all aspects of American history, including wars.
In World War II alone, almost half a million Latinos – mostly Mexican Americans – fought in the war, and they won a disproportionate number of congressional Medals of Honor.
Why is Cinco de Mayo More Popular in the U.S. than Mexico?
While there are Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Mexico, notably in the city of Puebla, the event doesn’t compare to the celebrations of Diá de la Independencia. In contrast, Cinco de Mayo has become an annual celebration of Mexican American culture in the United States.
The celebration of Cinco de Mayo began as a form of resistance to the effects of the Mexican-American War in the late 19th century and gained popularity during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Commercialization of Cinco de Mayo
By the 1980s, companies began commercializing the holiday, especially beer companies and restaurants offering Cinco de Mayo specials and cocktails. García jokingly refers to the day as “Corona Day.” However, he hopes that people will enjoy their Coronas with a little history lesson to wash it down.
Cinco de Mayo Events Around the U.S.
Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held across the United States, with cities like San Diego, Denver, St. Paul, Minnesota, San Antonio, Texas, Chicago, and Los Angeles hosting events and festivals. These events range from parades and taco eating contests to live music and folklorico performances.
