Cinco de Mayo, often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, is a widely celebrated date, particularly in the United States. But Why Do We Celebrate Cinco De Mayo? The answer lies in a pivotal, yet often misunderstood, moment in Mexican history, far removed from tequila shots and oversized sombreros. This holiday actually commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a significant victory for Mexican forces against French invaders on May 5, 1862. To understand the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo, we need to delve into the historical context that led to this celebrated battle and its lasting impact.
Mexico in the 1860s: Setting the Stage for Puebla
The mid-19th century was a tumultuous period for Mexico. Years of internal conflict had left the nation financially devastated. In 1861, Benito Juárez, an Indigenous Zapotec lawyer, became president of a country teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Faced with crippling debt, Juárez was forced to make a difficult decision: default on payments to European powers.
This decision provided a pretext for intervention. France, Britain, and Spain, all creditor nations, dispatched naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico, demanding repayment. While Britain and Spain eventually negotiated settlements and withdrew, France, under the rule of Napoleon III, saw an opportunity for more than just debt collection. Napoleon III harbored ambitions to expand French influence and establish an empire in Mexican territory. In late 1861, French forces landed in Veracruz, initiating a full-scale invasion and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat.
The Battle of Puebla: A David and Goliath Clash
Confident in a swift victory, General Charles Latrille de Lorencez led a formidable French army of 6,000 soldiers towards Puebla de Los Angeles, a strategically important town in east-central Mexico. President Juárez, from his northern headquarters, rallied a much smaller and less equipped force of 2,000 men to defend Puebla. Many of these soldiers were Indigenous Mexicans or of mixed heritage, representing the diverse fabric of Mexican society.
General Ignacio Zaragoza, a Texas-born military leader, was tasked with leading the outnumbered Mexican troops. They fortified Puebla and braced themselves for the French onslaught. On May 5, 1862, the French army, with its superior artillery, launched a determined assault on the city. Despite being heavily outmatched, the Mexican defenders, fueled by patriotism and a desire to protect their sovereignty, fiercely resisted the French advance.
A Symbolic Victory with Far-Reaching Consequences
The Battle of Puebla raged from dawn until early evening. Against all expectations, the Mexican forces emerged victorious. The French army, forced to retreat, suffered nearly 500 casualties, while Mexican losses were less than 100. While not a decisive strategic victory in the larger Franco-Mexican War, Zaragoza’s triumph at Puebla on Cinco de Mayo was a monumental symbolic victory. It boosted Mexican morale, bolstered the resistance movement, and demonstrated to the world that Mexico would not succumb easily to foreign domination.
Ultimately, France withdrew from Mexico in 1867, partly due to pressure and support from the United States after the end of the American Civil War. The Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, installed as Emperor of Mexico by Napoleon, was captured and executed by Juárez’s forces that same year, reaffirming Mexican sovereignty. In honor of General Zaragoza’s pivotal role, Puebla de Los Angeles was renamed Puebla de Zaragoza.
Cinco de Mayo: Celebration in Mexico and the United States
Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla itself, commemorating Zaragoza’s historic victory. Festivities include military parades, reenactments of the Battle of Puebla, and various cultural events. However, it’s important to note that Cinco de Mayo is not a major federal holiday in Mexico. For many Mexicans, it is a regional celebration, not a nationwide day of observance.
In contrast, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a life of its own in the United States, evolving into a widespread celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in communities with large Mexican-American populations. This transformation began in the 1960s, during the Chicano movement, as activists embraced Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of Mexican resistance against European imperialism and identified with the Indigenous heritage of figures like Juárez.
Today, Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. is marked by parades, vibrant parties, mariachi music, traditional Mexican folk dancing, and, of course, delicious Mexican cuisine like tacos and mole poblano. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston host some of the largest and most enthusiastic Cinco de Mayo festivals.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Cinco de Mayo vs. Mexican Independence Day
A common misconception, especially outside of Mexico, is that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican independence. This is incorrect. Mexican Independence Day, Día de la Independencia, is celebrated on September 16th. This date commemorates the “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”) in 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a revolutionary priest, called for independence from Spanish colonial rule, igniting the Mexican War of Independence.
Cinco de Mayo, therefore, is not about Mexican independence but about a specific battle fought decades after independence was achieved. It represents Mexican resilience, unity, and the triumph of the underdog.
Conclusion: More Than Margaritas – Understanding Cinco de Mayo’s True Meaning
So, why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo? It’s a day to remember and honor the courage and determination of the Mexican people at the Battle of Puebla. It’s a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, particularly vibrant in the United States. While often commercialized and sometimes misunderstood, at its heart, Cinco de Mayo is a reminder of a significant moment in Mexican history – a moment when a smaller, less powerful force stood up against a larger empire and achieved a symbolic victory that continues to resonate today. Understanding the true history behind Cinco de Mayo adds depth and meaning to the festivities, transforming it from just another party into a celebration with historical significance and cultural pride.
