If you are like most Americans, you probably aren’t really sure why Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo [May 5], other than you know it’s a great time to visit your local Mexican restaurant for some discount tacos and beer—Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
But in Mexico, the day is set aside to commemorate the country’s surprise victory over the armed forces of France at the Battle of Puebla on, you guessed it, May 5, 1862.
Rooting for the underdog
In 1862, Mexico was fresh off the heels of two previous wars: the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848, and the Reform War of 1858 to 1861, which left the country in financial ruin.
Searching for a way to staunch the monetary bleeding, Mexico’s President Benito Juárez, decided to temporarily suspend all debt payments to foreign governments, sparking an invasion of forces from the countries of France, Spain, and the United Kingdom into Veracruz. Spain and Britain eventually withdrew from talks with Mexico, but France’s Napoleon III [the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte I], was eager to secure a foothold in the Americas, and decided to seize his chance!
The Battle of Puebla
Like the merciless shark his Uncle Napoleon I is remembered as being, Napoleon III smelled blood in the water, and so on May 5, 1862, the French army encircled its prey.
Facing what should have been certain defeat, the Mexican Army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, was small and poorly equipped to fight France’s larger, more sophisticated military with its advanced weaponry. Even so, Mexican troops secured a decisive victory. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Mexican Army dispatched roughly 1,000 French souls that day.
The victory quickly became a symbol of patriotic pride and resistance against foreign invaders.
However, after capturing Mexico City, Napoleon III installed the Archduke of Austria Emperor Maximilian I to lord over the populace.
With the support of the United States, France’s occupation of Mexico lasted until 1867.
Mexico earned its freedom from France when its army successfully expelled French forces from their country and executed Emperor Maximilian I. President Juárez was subsequently returned to leadership and May 5 became a national holiday and symbol of victory for Mexico.
Separating Mexico’s military victories
Sometimes Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, is confused with Cinco de Mayo, as both holidays commemorate military victories for the country.
Mexican Independence Day celebrates the start of Mexico’s victory over Spain, when Roman Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bells at his church in 1810, issuing the Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Delores, also known as the battle cry of independence, officially igniting the Mexican War of Independence from Spain.
Legacy
Mexico observes Cinco de Mayo annually with parades and reenactments of the Battle of Puebla. As it is not a federal holiday, banks and most businesses remain open. The day is largely associated with cultural events, food, music, and lots of festivals.
In the United States, where Mexican culture and heritage remain strong, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into large scale, uniquely Mexican- American celebrations—though admittedly most Americans are still a little clueless about what is really being celebrated every year on May 5—but now you know, and you’re welcome.