Cinco de Mayo – May
5th
Growing up in San Diego, I have
always enjoyed Cinco de Mayo. I love Mexican food and look forward to any
and every excuse to have it. Mexican
restaurants have a tendency to go all out on Cinco de Mayo. Awesome food, excellent Mexican music and
much, much more.
I have never known why Cinco de
Mayo was celebrated. I just took it for
granted. This year I have decided to
find out the history of all the holidays that I have celebrated all my life and
am clueless about.
Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army's
1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War
(1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco
de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage,
particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo
traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in
cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.
What is
Cinco de Mayo?
On Cinco de Mayo, Mexicans remember the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862. On that day,
Mexicans won an important battle against the French army, which was invading
Mexico.
Why was
France invading Mexico?
France had a long history of interfering in
Mexico's business, dating back to the famous Pastry War of 1838. In 1862, Mexico was having big problems and owed money
to other countries, mainly France. France invaded Mexico to try and get their
money.
Why is the
Battle of Puebla so famous?
Basically,
the battle is famous because the Mexicans weren't supposed to win. The French
army had about 6,000 soldiers and the Mexicans had only about 4,500. The French
had better guns and were better trained. The French had already beaten the
Mexicans a few times as they made their way to the city of Puebla, from which
they planned to go to Mexico City. No one thought the Mexicans were going to
win the battle…except maybe the Mexicans!
What
happened at the Battle of Puebla?
The Mexicans
had made defenses around the city of Puebla. The French attacked three times, and each time they had to
retreat. When the French cannons ran out of ammunition, the Mexican commander,
Ignacio Zaragoza, ordered an attack. The Mexican attack forced the French to
run away! The Mexicans cheered and President Benito Juarez said that May fifth would forever be a
national holiday. For the Entire article
click HERE
Now, you along with me know the history and origin of Cinco
de Mayo. I plan to have my enchiladas and Spanish
rice for lunch. How about you?
Have a fantastic Cinco de Mayo,
Charyl aka Mom8isme
Enjoyed this Charyl. San Diego is celebrating. Somethings never change.
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