Cinco de Mayo
Khulan Hoshartsaga
Period 1
5-5-14
Why do Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is a widely celebrated holiday that some don’t understand. This holiday is translated as “the Fifth of May”, which is celebrated for the Battle of Puebla. This battle, against the French, took place on May 5, 1862. The French sent a huge (undefeated) army of 8,000 to invade Mexico because they hadn’t paid back their war debts. The French army had been well trained and better equipped than the Mexicans. As the French came to Puebla, the 4,000 Mexicans refused to back down which led to the victory. This victory although was short lived, but this victory showed that they were strong and powerful. This unlikely victory against overwhelming odds is remembered every May fifth. Cinco de Mayo represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. This holiday is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is on September 16.
This holiday is a big deal in Puebla because the battle took place there but in other places it really isn’t much of a big deal. This holiday is mostly celebrated in the United States, by Mexicans and Americans. This holiday is kind of ignored in Mexico but it is still celebrated north of the border in states like California and Texas. This holiday is celebrated with parades, dancing, and festivals. It is usually celebrated in US cities with large Mexican populations. Traditional food is sold and served during the holiday. This holiday is now more about celebrating the Mexican way of life instead of remembering the battle that occurred about 150 years ago.
Period 1
5-5-14
Why do Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is a widely celebrated holiday that some don’t understand. This holiday is translated as “the Fifth of May”, which is celebrated for the Battle of Puebla. This battle, against the French, took place on May 5, 1862. The French sent a huge (undefeated) army of 8,000 to invade Mexico because they hadn’t paid back their war debts. The French army had been well trained and better equipped than the Mexicans. As the French came to Puebla, the 4,000 Mexicans refused to back down which led to the victory. This victory although was short lived, but this victory showed that they were strong and powerful. This unlikely victory against overwhelming odds is remembered every May fifth. Cinco de Mayo represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. This holiday is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is on September 16.
This holiday is a big deal in Puebla because the battle took place there but in other places it really isn’t much of a big deal. This holiday is mostly celebrated in the United States, by Mexicans and Americans. This holiday is kind of ignored in Mexico but it is still celebrated north of the border in states like California and Texas. This holiday is celebrated with parades, dancing, and festivals. It is usually celebrated in US cities with large Mexican populations. Traditional food is sold and served during the holiday. This holiday is now more about celebrating the Mexican way of life instead of remembering the battle that occurred about 150 years ago.