The Real Story of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that is widely celebrated in the United States and is often associated with Mexican culture and heritage. However, the real story of Cinco de Mayo is actually a bit more complex and has a significant historical context.
Cinco de Mayo, which translates to “the fifth of May” in Spanish, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. At the time, Mexico was in a state of political and economic turmoil and had just emerged from a decade of war and civil unrest. The country was heavily indebted to European nations, including France, which had sent an army to collect on its debts.
The French forces, led by Napoleon III, were considered one of the strongest in the world at the time, and many expected them to easily defeat the Mexican army. However, the Mexicans, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, were able to repel the French attack and secure a decisive victory.
The Battle of Puebla was significant not only for its military outcome but also for its political and cultural significance. The Mexican victory was seen as a symbol of resistance against colonialism and foreign intervention and helped to boost morale and national pride in Mexico.
Despite its historical significance, Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico outside of the state of Puebla. In the United States, however, it has become a popular holiday that is often associated with Mexican-American culture and is celebrated with parades, festivals, and traditional foods and drinks.
It’s important to note that it should not be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 and marks the country’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. So now you know the real story of Cinco de Mayo.
A Personal Note:
I always remember when Mexico’s Independence Day is because that is the day I became a momma. ( My oldest was born 😉 ) and Gracie, my youngest, was almost a May 5th baby, but she will be celebrating her 21st birthday tomorrow. She was born 26 minutes after midnight. So I thought you would like the above pic of her first Halloween as a chili pepper and her sisters as their abuelitos,( grandparents), Mama Luceita and Papa PP.
