The History of Cinco de Mayo

The Meaning Behind Cinco de Mayo

Even through most believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico Independence Day, it’s not! Mexico Independence Day is held on September 16. Cinco de Mayo  is actually an annual celebration of  the Mexican Army’s victory against French empire in the battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862, under the authority of General Ignacio Zaragoza, during the Franco-Mexican War . The celebration is held on the 5th of May, hints its called Cinco de Mayo. In America, Cinco de Mayo is mostly just celebrating Mexican culture but it’s more than that. In Mexico the celebration is more of a ceremonial remembrance in which they celebrate through military parades. It’s compare to Memorial Day, which is on May 28.

Background

It all started in 1861,  Mexico was in financial ruin after years of internal strife, the president of Mexico Benito Juarez was forced to default on debt payments to European governments. In response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico demanding repayment. Spain and Britain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces. However, France didn’t under the authority of Napoleon the third. The French saw this as a opportunity to make an empire out of Mexican territory.   Later in 1861 a large amount of  armed French troops stormed Veracruz, as a result President Benito Juarez and his government retreated.

The battle lasted from daybreak till early evening. The Mexican Army were even outnumbered 2:1  by the French Army.  The French lost 500 soldiers before retreating. The Mexican Army lost around 100 soldiers. Even though the Mexican Army didn’t win the entire war, the victory of the Battle of Puebla became a symbol of Mexico resistant  against French imperialism. Cinco de Mayo was an inspiration for the union struggle in America.  Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by millions throughout North America.