Cinco de Mayo, often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, is a holiday observed in both Mexico and the United States. However, What Is Cinco De Mayo Celebrating, exactly? It commemorates a significant, albeit often misunderstood, historical event: the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
In 1861, Mexico, facing severe financial difficulties, declared a moratorium on the repayment of its foreign debts. This prompted intervention by England, Spain, and France. While England and Spain soon withdrew, France, under Napoleon III, saw an opportunity to establish a monarchy in Mexico, led by Maximilian of Austria, and to limit the growing influence of the United States in North America.
On May 5, 1862, a poorly equipped army of mestizos and Zapotec soldiers, commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza, bravely confronted and defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. This victory, although not a decisive turning point in the war, became a powerful symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign intervention. The city of Puebla was later renamed Puebla de Zaragoza in honor of this event.
While the French forces were not fully driven out of Mexico until five years later, the Battle of Puebla provided a crucial morale boost and demonstrated the resilience of the Mexican people. Today, Puebla is home to a museum dedicated to the battle, and the battlefield itself is preserved as a park.
The celebration of “El Cinco de Mayo” is primarily observed in the state of Puebla with parades, speeches, and historical reenactments of the 1862 battle. However, it is not as widely celebrated throughout the rest of Mexico.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage. Beginning in the mid-20th century, Mexican immigrants used the holiday to foster pride in their roots. While some critics have pointed out that the holiday’s popularity in the U.S. has been linked to the promotion of Mexican alcoholic beverages and can sometimes perpetuate negative stereotypes, many view it as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture with food, music, and dance.
It is important to remember that Cinco de Mayo is distinct from Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th. Mexican Independence Day commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. Cinco de Mayo, on the other hand, commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign intervention. In short, Cinco de Mayo celebrates courage, resilience, and the spirit of independence.
