Cinco de Mayo History: What is Cinco de Mayo?

In 1861, France and Spain attacked Mexico because Mexico had stopped making interest payments on the loans that it had received from France and Spain earlier. France conquered some parts of Mexico. However, the victory was short-lived. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín defeated the French army at the city of Puebla. This defeat of the French army exhibited the unity of the Mexicans. A year later, the French attacked Mexico and conquered it. Maximilian I became the Emperor of Mexico and was eventually defeated and executed after five years by President Benito Juárez.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is the Spanish term for 5th of May. Cinco De Mayo is celebrated mostly in the district of Puebla to commemorate the Batalla De Puebla. The battle of Puebla is considered the symbol of Mexican patriotism and unity. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated every year on May 5th and this day is of great importance for the Chicano and Mexican communities. However, Cinco De Mayo is only a regional holiday and not a federal one.

Cinco de Mayo Traditions

Cinco De Mayo is not only celebrated by native Mexicans but also by Americans. The Chicano communities in America and the Mexicans in Puebla city celebrate this day with great pomp and show. Some of the cultural entertainments include feasting, singing and dancing, competitions in various sports, fireworks, and so on. The popular Mexican dances such as Mexican Hat Dance and Raspa are performed to the tunes of the Mariachi bands. There are parades and processions on the streets to celebrate the friendship between Mexico and the United States.

Feasting is also a major part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The native Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, and nachos are a treat for both the young and old. The other popular dishes include hot and mild salsas, tortillas with beef, pork and beef fillings, and salads made with avocado slices, slices of tomatoes and shredded cheese arranged on lettuce leaves. Mexican beer is served as a part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Cinco De Mayo is celebrated not only in Mexico and United States but also in Canada, Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean and Malta, in the Mediterranean. In Vancouver, Canada skydiving clubs hold events such as Cinco de Mayo skydiving and many more. Air guitar competition is held as a part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Cayman Island.

Many people mistake the celebration of Cinco de Mayo that is held on 5th of May every year to be the Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Cinco de Mayo has become very commercialized over the years. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more enthusiastically by the Chicano community living in various parts of the USA than by the Mexicans in Mexico.