Cinco De Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
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More popular in the United States than in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. Celebrations began in California, where they have been observed annually since 1863.
Image Credit: history.com
What are 3 facts about Cinco de Mayo?
- Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorated a significant battle during the Franco-Mexican War that took place in a town called Puebla.
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- The Mexican Army Beat Crazy Odds
The Mexican Army was largely outnumbered and poorly supplied. They were known as the rag-tag army and only had outdated guns at their disposal.
- The General was honoured in a special way
Ignacio Zaragoza was the Mexican general who led the army that defeated the French on May 5, 1862. He was born in what’s now Goliad in southern Texas and was only 33 years old when he led his troops to victory.
What is Cinco de Mayo traditions?
The festivity is marked in the state of Puebla with historical re-enactments of the Battle of Puebla, parades, mariachi music, colourful costumes and fireworks.
For many Mexicans, however, May 5 is a day like any other. It is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks and stores remain open.
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