Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "5th of May") is a Mexican national holiday that honors the Mexican victory over the French army at Puebla de Los Angeles in 1862^{[1][2][3][4][5]} The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5,1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

A very common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day^[6]; Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16 (dieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

History

In 1861, Mexico had stopped making interest payments on loans that it had received earlier. In response, in late 1861, France (and other European countries) attacked Mexico to try to force payment of this debt. France decided that it would try to take over and occupy Mexico. France was successful at first in its invasion; however, on May 5, 1862, at the city of Puebla, Mexican forces were able to defeat an attack by the larger French army. In this Battle of Puebla, the Mexicans were led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. Although the Mexican army was victorious over the French at Puebla, the victory only delayed the French advance on Mexico City; a year later, the French occupied Mexico. The French occupying forces placed Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico on the throne of Mexico. The French, under U.S. pressure, eventually withdrew in 1866-1867. Maximilian was executed by President Benito Juarez, five years after the Battle of Puebla.

History of observance

Cinco de Mayo dancers greeted by Pres. Bush.

Observances

Mexico

The holiday of Cinco de Mayo is primarily a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated in the state of Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday in other parts of the country.^[8] For the most part the celebrations combine food, music, and dancing.

In Mexico City like the rest of the Mexican capitals all the young men who serve the military services pledge allegiance to the Mexican national flag and the institutions that it represents.

United States

Cinco de Mayo performers at the White House.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico.^{[7][9][10][11]} The date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry, much as St. Patrick's Day, Oktoberfest, and the Chinese New Year are used to celebrate those of Irish, German, and Chinese ancestry respectively. Similar to those holidays, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origin. Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols, such as the Virgen de Guadalupe, and from prominent figures of Mexican descent in the United States, including César Chávez.^[12] To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate pupils about its historical significance. Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Examples include ballet folklórico and mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles, near Olvera Street. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on beverages,^[13] foods, and music.^[14][15]

Elsewhere

Cinco de Mayo celebration in St. Paul, MN.

Popular culture references

• In Isis (song) Isis marries on 5th of May

See also

• History of Mexico
• Mexican Independence Day
• French intervention in Mexico
• Napoleon III
• Maximilian I

References

External links

• External resources about Cinco De Mayo
• National Cinco de Mayo Festival is held every year in Washington, DC, hosted by the Maru Montero Dance Company.

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