Cinco de Mayo
The day is honored in Puebla with parades, speeches, and reenactments of the 1862 fight, but it is less known in the rest of Mexico. As a result, Cinco de Mayo became a means for Mexican immigrants in the mid-twentieth century United States to express pride in their Mexican origin.
The Mexican holiday memorializing the victory of indigenous Mexicans over the western French troops in the Battle of Puebla is Cinco de Mayo.
When is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated?
Cinco de Mayo, or the 5 May, is a celebration commemorating the Mexican army's victory over France. On 5 May 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War, in the Battle of Puebla Mexican army retreated against the outnumbering French men. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a small event in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has developed into a celebration of Mexican culture and history in the United States, particularly in places with considerable Mexican-American populations.
The history of Cinco de Mayo eludes that when Mexico placed a temporary postponement on foreign debt payments in 1861, in retaliation, English, Spanish, and French forces invaded the nation. By April 1862, the English and Spanish had departed upon peaceful settlement. But the French stayed in an attempt to establish a monarchy under Maximilian of Austria and to limit the United States' dominance in North America with the help of wealthy landowners.
On 5 May 1862, a poorly armed Spanish and indigenous Zapotec force headed by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French troops in the Battle of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. 1,000 French men were killed during the battle, and only around 400 Mexicans. Although the conflict lasted for another five years and the French could not be forced out, the triumph at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign dominance.
Later, the fight was commemorated by a museum in the city, later renamed Puebla de Zaragoza. The battlefield itself is preserved as a park.
Celebration of Cinco de Mayo: Food and USA
The day is honored in Puebla with parades, speeches, and reenactments of the 1862 fight, but it is less known in the rest of Mexico. As a result, Cinco de Mayo became a means for Mexican immigrants in the mid-twentieth century United States to express pride in their Mexican origin.
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Historians noted that excitement for the holiday celebration spread to a wider audience when it was expressly associated with the sale of Mexican alcoholic drinks. In addition, many U.S. beverage companies targeted Mexican-Americans and their celebrations through advertisements to encourage excessive drinking.
Many also believe that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Independence of Mexico. However, Mexican independence, also known as Día de la Independencia, occurred 50 years before the Battle of Puebla on 16 September 1810.
Eventually, it became a celebrated holiday in Los Angeles. However, contrary to popular belief, tacos are not consumed to celebrate this holiday. Instead, the traditional dish of Puebla, Mole Poblano, is feasted during this day. The dish is made with chicken, other meat, or Enchiladas topped with rich gravy of chilis, fruit, nuts, and Mexican chocolate. This recipe was invented in the late 17th century, and it has commonly been dined with chicken or turkey as the main dish.
However, the flavor and ingredients used depend upon the family after family. So, the food is just a symbol of Mexican culture and the celebrations invited by the victory of the Battle of Puebla.
