The History of Cinco de Mayo

Mexicanos and Americans alike love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo every year. But how many of us really know why it is celebrated? What is so important about the 5th of May? What is its connection with Mexico?

Americans know this holiday to be one of celebrating diversity -- of the Mexican variety. Anything and everything Mexican, Hispanic or Latin American pops up as a decoration. There are plenty of mariachi bands playing, Tequila, Coronas or Dos Equis (XXs) flowing, and tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, tacos and burritos being ordered, and of course, piñatas being broken. That pretty much sums up what Americans know about this holiday. ¡Que triste! (How sad!)

I think with the passing of time and lack of understanding, most Americans view the holiday as some sort of national independence day for Mexico. All I can say is, well, quizás (perhaps) -- in some long-stretch of the word?

The year, 1861, wasn't an "okay" year for Mexico. Then President Benito Juárez had to default on many debts to European countries such as Spain, Britain and France. Spain and Britain made a new deal with Mexico, but France jumped on the opportunity to expand. Why not? France at the time was ruled by Napoleon III. And you all know those "Napoleon" types. By the end of the year, the French forces landed in Veracruz, Mexico to take over the country. Juárez and the government retreated.

The French had 6,000 troops heading to a small town named Puebla de los Angeles which is located in the central-eastern part of Mexico. Juárez, from his brand new headquarters, got around 2,000 men and marched them into Puebla. They now occupied the small town.

The loyal group of 2,000 Mexicans fought hard and gallantly for their country. They were outnumbered. They were out-gunned. They had every disadvantage as any military operation could have. But on May 5, 1862, that all changed.

The French forces came from the northern part of the town with heavy artillery and lots of provisions. They hit hard from daybreak to early evening. The French had lost 500 of their men to only 100 of the make-shift Mexican army. After realizing such a shocking blow, the French fell back.

This one symbolic fight reached many corners of Mexico. It fostered bands of resistance against the French which proved to be too much. After six long years of French occupation and some aid from the United States, Mexico finally did push back the French where they sailed back to their homeland.

Puebla primarily celebrates Cinco de Mayo in Mexico with military parades, folk dancing and parties. It is not a national holiday by any means. To many Mexicans, it is just a day like any other day.

In the late 60s, Chicano activists incorporated the holiday as a symbol of their fight over the European-like oppressors in the United States. Over the years, many Americans spend the day or the weekend closest to it celebrating all things Mexican -- the people, the culture, the food and drinks. It is a time of diversity and fun. For Mexican-Americans, it is a day of pride knowing that as a nation, we all stand together in love and harmony. ¡Viva México! ¡Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Practice your listening skills: Click here to view a YouTube video (in Spanish) that explains the history surrounding Cinco de Mayo. It's okay if you do not understand all of the spoken words. Use the pictures and body language to help you figure out what is being said. Listen over and over to pick up on more spoken Spanish.

¡Hasta luego!
~Keith