Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for the 5th of May, marks the victory in 1862 of the Mexican army over French troops at the Battle of Puebla. It is one of 2 days which commemorate the independence of Mexico. Although Mexico's official independence day is September 16th, Cinco de Mayo is also considered a day of great importance.
The decades following the United States' war with Mexico (1846-48) found Mexico in a state of economic crisis. Its territorial disputes with the U.S. having been settled by 1849, Mexico's attention was then focused on Europe. Mexican President Benito Juarez announced that the nation would suspend debt repayments to the English, Spanish and French. The English and Spanish backed off, but the French began an occupation of Mexico
In the spring of 1862, after receiving word that French forces were marching on Mexico City, President Benito Juarez (a native Zapotec Indian) sent troops to head them off. It was on May 5th, in the little town of Puebla, that a small, ragged, untrained, and under-equipped army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza met and defeated the invading French, a well-armed, professional army led by Napoleon III. The Battle of Puebla, though it ended in defeat for the French, did not mean triumph for the Mexicans. The French eventually captured Puebla, marched on to Mexico City and ruled until 1867.
The Battle of Puebla did however, to be the catalyst which provided the Mexicans with confidence enough to persevere and ultimately triumph over the French in 1867. The victory demonstrated to ordinary Mexican citizens that they could repel superior fighting power. It instilled national pride, improved the international stature of President Juarez and discouraged further American and European invasions of Mexico and Latin America.
For Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of cultural pride and a show of respect for the rights of people everywhere to enjoy in the fruits of self-determination and it marks the last time that any foreign power has acted the aggressor on North American soil.
Today's Celebration
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular. The holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.
Though Cinco de Mayo is a day of huge military and political significance, we must remember that it is not the battle of Puebla itself that we celebrate. Rather, it is a day to celebrate pride, independence, and freedom. Viva la Fiesta!
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