There is much joy in planning your family beach trip for Memorial Day weekend, but we can’t forget Cinco de Mayo. This wonderful holiday is sometimes overlooked and many of us may not really know the reason behind this celebration. Most would say it’s the one day a year to get sick on Mexican food, but many often confuse it as Mexico’s Independence Day, which is Sept. 16. On this day in 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo took charge in the village church of Dolores where he eventually overthrew the Spanish oppression. Only the city of Puebla really makes a considerable deal over Cinco de Mayo and Independence Day is actually more significant in Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo in the Spanish language means “the fifth of May.” In 1861, France sent an army to invade Mexico to collect war debts. The French army was better equipped at the time whereas the Mexicans were fighting to defend the road to Mexico City. They eventually made it to the city of Puebla where the Mexicans took a courageous stand. On May 5, 1862, the Mexicans won a victory at the Battle of Puebla. The French ultimately took over Mexico City, but the fifth of May would always be remembered since things might have resulted badly without this fight. According to Abigail Elise from the International Business Times, “Historian Justo Sierra wrote in ‘Political Evolution of the Mexican People’ that had Mexico not defeated the French in Puebla in 1862, France would have gone to the aid of the Confederacy during the United States Civil War, changing the future of the United States significantly.” This should definitely be a day to celebrate the audacious Mexicans who fought in this combat. There is no better way to celebrate this holiday than to throw a huge party.
Cinco de Mayo can be referred to as the “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day.” It is focused on the Mexican lifestyle more than the battle that occurred over 100 years ago. Americans and Mexicans in the US tend to make a bigger deal about this holiday than those in Mexico. The day is filled with dancing, parades and festivals in Puebla. Many cities with large Mexican populations such as Texas and California hold the same festivities. Classrooms are decorated in schools to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mexican restaurants have mariachi bands along with special deals. This year make the best of your Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy all the burritos and beer while also remembering this important event that took place in history.
By Marlee Damrel
