Yesterday was the holiday known as Cinco De Mayo. Too besought with the unlikely passing of a dear friend, I had not the energy nor the ability to focus to research and share the true significance of this day. Thus, I will do such today, as I feel it imperative that the true meaning of the holiday be known in all its relevance, symbolism, and history, not for the mere simplistic reasons that those outside of Mexico celebrate.
The thought that Cinco De Mayo represents Mexican Independence is false. Rather, this day signifies the victory of one battle, that of the battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862 beating back the interfering French army. Due to financial hardship, President Benito Juarez, elected in 1861, was forced to default on Mexican's loans from various European countries. In response, France, Britain, and Spain embarked to Mexico in retaliation. Mexico was able to negotiate with Britain and Spain but not with France at the time ruled by Napoleon III. Napoleon III was bent on overtaking Mexico and claiming it as part of his empire. Believing in a no contest success, Napoleon had his men embark on the small city of Puebla de Los Angeles. Juarez gathered up a small, ragtag army of 2,000 men and made Ignacio Zaragoza the General of the army.
With much planning and preparation, Zaragoza was able to fortify the small city and claim defeat over the French army on May 5th, 1862. That is the true history and reason for the celebration of Cinco De Mayo.
For more information: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo
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