Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration of Mexico's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Learn about the context, events, and significance of this historical day, as well as its cultural and global impact. Learn about the origins and significance of Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over France in 1862.
Find out how it is observed in Mexico and the United States, and why it is not the same as Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. It should not be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16 and was established in 1810.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by the Mexican state of Puebla, as well as Mexican-American immigrants in parts of the United States. Similar to St. Patrick's Day for Irish Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a day of pride to honor Mexican heritage and culture.
What are the origins of Cinco de Mayo? Hayes-Bautista, a professor of medicine who directs UCLA's Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, literally wrote the book on the subject: His "El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition," published in 2012, was the first to delve deeply into the origins of the holiday. You might hear about Cinco de Mayo parties. But even though celebrations of Cinco de Mayo (which translates to the Fifth of May) originated in Mexico, the day is more popular in the United States! So what does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? On the morning of May 5, 1862, 6,000 French troops stormed the Mexican city of HerĂ³ica Puebla de Zaragoza to bring it under French rule.
The Mexican soldiers. Here are some surprising and fun Cinco de Mayo facts, including the history of May 5th and how the holiday is celebrated around the world. Cinco de Mayo is a day filled with vibrant colors, rich culture, and plenty of delicious Mexican food.
But do you know what the May holiday actually celebrates, or when it is, exactly? And, even if you do know enough Spanish to decipher the date, why the holiday falls when it does? Before Cinco de Mayo became associated with tacos and margaritas, the day served as a reminder of Mexico's triumph over the French. Celebrated annually, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army. Celebrating the History Behind Cinco de Mayo Many people mistakenly think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated Sept.
16. Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla May 5, 1862. In 1861, Mexican President Benito Juarez suspended payment of all foreign debts, and France, ruled at the time by Napoleon III.