THE REAL STORY BEHIND CINCO DE MAYO
Back in the United States, we pride ourselves on celebrating Cinco de Mayo with such passion and enthusiasm that even the Mexicans themselves are unable to keep pace! Tequila shots, sombreros and a fake mustache or two are bound to make an appearance during the country-wide Cinco de Mayo fiestas in bars and homes across the US, and it can be the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant spirit that Mexico has to offer.
But do most of us even know what we're celebrating on May 5th?
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That holiday is celebrated throughout Mexico on the night of September 15th with lots of parties filled with red, white and green decorations. No, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a large colonial-era city in central Mexico.
The Battle of Puebla took place in 1862 as Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin retreated to the heavily fortified city of Puebla as French General Lorencez attacked, believing the people of Puebla would support him against the Mexican troops. By the time Lorencez retreated to the city of Orizaba, 462 French soldiers had been killed, compared to only 83 Mexican soldiers.
The French army was the most powerful army in the world at the time, making victory at the Battle of Puebla an impressive event for Mexico. Cinco de Mayo, 1862 marked a huge turning point in Mexican culture as citizens felt a strong sense of national pride that continues through to today.
Despite the date's significance for the entire country, Cinco de Mayo has not been marked as a national holiday in Mexico. Today, it's an official holiday for the state of Puebla, with a variety of local festivals and events to celebrate the occasion.
Now that you know a little more about the history behind Cinco de Mayo, you can celebrate the holiday with even more excitement! Don't forget the tequila.