5th May 1862. Depictions of the battle showing Mexican cavalry overwhelming the French troops below the fort at Loreto. Scene recreated by Francisco P. Miranda. Oil on canvas, 1872. Photo by Francisco P. Miranda-Wikimedia

10 Interesting Facts About Cinco de Mayo


 

You probably have heard about Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated on May 5 every year to celebrate the date the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The battle was significant because a smaller, poorly equipped Mexican army was able to defeat well-equipped French naval forces.

Cinco de Mayo has been featured and referenced in entertainment media, becoming a global celebration of Mexican heritage, culture and cuisine. Read on for ten interesting facts about Cinco De Mayo.

1. Cinco de Mayo Celebrates The Battle of Puebla

In 1861, Mexico was experiencing financial crisis. On July 17, 1861, Mexican president Benito Juárez issued a deferral in which foreign debts would be suspended for two years. However, the news where not received well and in response, France, Spain and the British sent naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico, to demand repayment. Spain and Britain negotiated with Mexico withdrawing their naval forces.

France used the opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico, which the Mexicans greatly resisted at Puebla. The Mexican army defeated the French army, which helped Mexico establish a sense of national unity and patriotism.

Discover Top 20 Amazing Facts about Mexico City

2. Cinco de Mayo Isn’t Mexico Independence Day

Often Cinco de Mayo is confused with Mexican Independence Day. By the time the Mexican army won the Battle of Puebla, Mexico had already gained independence for more than 50 years from 1810. Mexican day is celebrated on September 16, and Cinco de Mayo on May 5 each year.

3. The Mexican Army Was the Underdog

5th May 1862. Depictions of the battle showing Mexican cavalry overwhelming the French troops below the fort at Loreto. Scene recreated by Francisco P. Miranda. Oil on canvas, 1872. Photo by Francisco P. Miranda-Wikimedia

The Mexican army was the underdog because they were poorly equipped and outnumbered. A well-equipped French army attacked Veracruz moving towards Mexico City but experienced heavy resistance from the Mexican army at Puebla.

The French army was close to 6,500 to 8,000, with the Mexican army having 4,000 poorly equipped militants but emerging victorious, forcing the French army to retreat. This victory was significant both nationally and internationally. 

4. Los Angeles Was the First U.S. City That Celebrated This Holiday

In 1863, in the town of Columbia, Mexican miners celebrated after receiving news that the French army had been defeated. The miners fired off rifle shots, and fireworks made speeches and sang patriotic songs. Since 1863, the holiday has been celebrated in California continuously.

Los Angeles’ Fiesta Broadway (the annual event held to celebrate Cinco de Mayo) has been the world’s largest Cinco de May celebration. It peaked in the 1990s when it attracted crowds of 500 000 or more, but in recent years, attendance has decreased.

5. Cinco de Mayo is More Popular in the United States Than in Mexico

Dancers at the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. Photo by IIP Photo Archive-Wikimedia

This holiday is more popular in the United States than in Mexico and has become a commemoration of Mexican heritage and culture. To celebrate the holiday, many display Cinco de Mayo banners; schools hold events to teach about its historical importance and dance to Mexican music.

Businesses have commercialized this holiday, advertising Mexican products and services. The emphasis is on alcoholic beverages, music and food. Sometimes it refers to U.S. drinking day because many visit local restaurants for beers, margaritas and tequila.

Read 10 Most Famous Historical events that happened in Mexico

6. Cinco de Mayo is Celebrated in Other Countries

Surprisingly, this holiday is celebrated in other countries besides Mexico and the United States. This celebration focuses on Mexican cuisines, music and culture. For example, the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean holds an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitar competition. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, holds an annual Mexican Festival to honor the day.

Additionally, some Canadian pubs serve Mexican food and drinks and play Mexican music, and a skydiving club near Vancouver holds a Cinco de Mayo skydiving event. Celebrations are also be found in London, New Zealand, Paris, Japan, and Cape Town, South Africa.

7. Cinco de Mayo Isn’t a National Holiday in Mexico

On May 9, 1862, President Benito Juárez declared “Battle of Puebla Day or “Battle of Cinco de Mayo as a national holiday, but the celebration was reduced after dictator Porfirio Diaz deposed in the Mexican Revolution.

Today, the celebration of battle is not observed as a national holiday in Mexico, but all public schools are closed nationwide in Mexico on May 5. In Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is an official holiday, and in the state of Veracruz is also a full holiday with no work.

8. The State of Puebla Celebrates Cinco de Mayo as an Official Holiday

Photo by S Pakhrin-Wikimedia

Although the holiday has not been popular and a holiday in Mexico, only in the state of Puebla, it’s an official holiday. In Puebla, parades, historical reenactments and meals take place to commemorate the victory of the battle. Parade participants dressed as Mexican and French soldiers to reenact the battle.

Annually the city hosts the Festival Internacional de Puebla, which brings together national and international artists, dancers and traditional musicians—as well as the Festival Internacional del mole to celebrate the city’s iconic Mole Poblano dish.

Also read 10 Best Cities to Visit in Mexico

9. Cinco De Mayo is a Celebration of Mexican American Culture 

 Technically Cinco de Mayo is made to celebrate the Batlle of Puebla. Still, with time in the United States, it has taken a broader meaning and nowadays is a celebration of Mexican culture. The celebration features traditional Mexican mariachi music deeply rooted in Mexico’s revolutionary past. You will see colorfully clad dancers in Puebla dresses performing traditional steps and dances.

 Also, people eat their favourite Mexican dishes, tacos, guacamole and mole Poblano (which originated from Puebla, where the battle happened).

10. General Ignacio Zaragoza Lead the Battle of Puebla

Ignacio Zaragoza was a Mexican Politician and general who led the Mexican army to victory against the French army. This victory led to the establishment of the holiday Cinco de Mayo. After his death, he has been honored in many ways. For example, more than 52 rural localities in the Mexican state are named after him. There is also a Mexico City Metro subway station named after Zaragoza.

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